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Hilbig K, Towers R, Schmitz M, Bornhäuser M, Lennig P, Zhang Y. Cyclosporin A-Based PROTACs Can Deplete Abundant Cellular Cyclophilin A without Suppressing T Cell Activation. Molecules 2024; 29:2779. [PMID: 38930843 PMCID: PMC11206246 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122779] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA), the cellular receptor of the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA), is an abundant cytosolic protein and is involved in a variety of diseases. For example, CypA supports cancer proliferation and mediates viral infections, such as the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). Here, we present the design of PROTAC (proteolysis targeting chimera) compounds against CypA to induce its intracellular proteolysis and to investigate their effect on immune cells. Interestingly, upon connecting to E3 ligase ligands, both peptide-based low-affinity binders and CsA-based high-affinity binders can degrade CypA at nM concentration in HeLa cells and fibroblast cells. As the immunosuppressive effect of CsA is not directly associated with the binding of CsA to CypA but the inhibition of phosphatase calcineurin by the CypA:CsA complex, we investigated whether a CsA-based PROTAC compound could induce CypA degradation without affecting the activation of immune cells. P3, the most efficient PROTAC compound discovered from this study, could deplete CypA in lymphocytes without affecting cell proliferation and cytokine production. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the PROTAC approach in depleting the abundant cellular protein CypA at low drug dosage without affecting immune cells, allowing us to investigate the potential therapeutic effects associated with the endogenous protein in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hilbig
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (K.H.); (P.L.)
| | - Russell Towers
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Marc Schmitz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (R.T.); (M.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Petra Lennig
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (K.H.); (P.L.)
| | - Yixin Zhang
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (K.H.); (P.L.)
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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2
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Powell JT, Kayesh R, Ballesteros-Perez A, Alam K, Niyonshuti P, Soderblom EJ, Ding K, Xu C, Yue W. Assessing Trans-Inhibition of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 by Calcineurin and/or PPIase Inhibitors and Global Identification of OATP1B1/3-Associated Proteins. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:63. [PMID: 38258074 PMCID: PMC10818623 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010063] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 are key determinants of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Various drugs including the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA) exert preincubation-induced trans-inhibitory effects upon OATP1B1 and/or OATP1B3 (abbreviated as OATP1B1/3) by unknown mechanism(s). OATP1B1/3 are phosphoproteins; calcineurin, which dephosphorylates and regulates numerous phosphoproteins, has not previously been investigated in the context of preincubation-induced trans-inhibition of OATP1B1/3. Herein, we compare the trans-inhibitory effects exerted on OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 by CsA, the non-analogous CNI tacrolimus, and the non-CNI CsA analogue SCY-635 in transporter-overexpressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 stable cell lines. Preincubation (10-60 min) with tacrolimus (1-10 µM) rapidly and significantly reduces OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-mediated transport up to 0.18 ± 0.03- and 0.20 ± 0.02-fold compared to the control, respectively. Both CsA and SCY-635 can trans-inhibit OATP1B1, with the inhibitory effects progressively increasing over a 60 min preincubation time. At each equivalent preincubation time, CsA has greater trans-inhibitory effects toward OATP1B1 than SCY-635. Preincubation with SCY-635 for 60 min yielded IC50 of 2.2 ± 1.4 µM against OATP1B1, which is ~18 fold greater than that of CsA (0.12 ± 0.04 µM). Furthermore, a proteomics-based screening for protein interactors was used to examine possible proteins and processes contributing to OATP1B1/3 regulation and preincubation-induced inhibition by CNIs and other drugs. A total of 861 and 357 proteins were identified as specifically associated with OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, respectively, including various protein kinases, ubiquitin-related enzymes, the tacrolimus (FK506)-binding proteins FKBP5 and FKBP8, and several known regulatory targets of calcineurin. The current study reports several novel findings that expand our understanding of impaired OATP1B1/3 function; these include preincubation-induced trans-inhibition of OATP1B1/3 by the CNI tacrolimus, greater preincubation-induced inhibition by CsA compared to its non-CNI analogue SCY-635, and association of OATP1B1/3 with various proteins relevant to established and candidate OATP1B1/3 regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Powell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
| | - Ruhul Kayesh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
| | - Alexandra Ballesteros-Perez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
| | - Khondoker Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
| | - Pascaline Niyonshuti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
| | - Erik J. Soderblom
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.D.); (C.X.)
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.D.); (C.X.)
| | - Wei Yue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (J.T.P.)
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Kuwazuru J, Suico MA, Omachi K, Kojima H, Kamura M, Kaseda S, Kawahara T, Hitora Y, Kato H, Tsukamoto S, Wada M, Asano T, Kotani S, Nakajima M, Misumi S, Sannomiya Y, Horizono J, Koyama Y, Owaki A, Shuto T, Kai H. CyclosporinA Derivative as Therapeutic Candidate for Alport Syndrome by Inducing Mutant Type IV Collagen Secretion. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:909-917. [PMID: 37143203 PMCID: PMC10371266 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Key Points Screening of natural product extracts to find candidate compounds that increase mutant type IV collagen α 3,4,5 (α 345(IV)) trimer secretion in Alport syndrome (AS). Cyclosporin A (CsA) and alisporivir (ALV) increase mutant α 345(IV) trimer secretion in AS. PPIF/cyclophilin D mediates the effect of CsA and ALV on mutant trimer secretion. Background Type IV collagen α 3,4,5 (α 345(IV)) is an obligate trimer that is secreted to form a collagen network, which is the structural foundation of basement membrane. Mutation in one of the genes (COL4A3 , A4 , A5 ) encoding these proteins underlies the progressive genetic nephropathy Alport syndrome (AS) due to deficiency in trimerization and/or secretion of the α 345(IV) trimer. Thus, improving mutant α 345(IV) trimerization and secretion could be a good therapeutic approach for AS. Methods Using the nanoluciferase-based platform that we previously developed to detect α 345(IV) formation and secretion in HEK293T cells, we screened libraries of natural product extracts and compounds to find a candidate compound capable of increasing mutant α 345(IV) secretion. Results The screening of >13,000 extracts and >600 compounds revealed that cyclosporin A (CsA) increased the secretion of mutant α 345(IV)-G1244D. To elucidate the mechanism of the effect of CsA, we evaluated CsA derivatives with different ability to bind to calcineurin (Cn) and cyclophilin (Cyp). Alisporivir (ALV), which binds to Cyp but not to Cn, increased the trimer secretion of mutant α 345(IV). Knockdown studies on Cyps showed that PPIF/cyclophilin D was involved in the trimer secretion-enhancing activity of CsA and ALV. We confirmed that other α 345(IV) mutants are also responsive to CsA and ALV. Conclusions CsA was previously reported to improve proteinuria in patients with AS, but owing to its nephrotoxic effect, CsA is not recommended for treatment in patients with AS. Our data raise the possibility that ALV could be a safer option than CsA. This study provides a novel therapeutic candidate for AS with an innovative mechanism of action and reveals an aspect of the intracellular regulatory mechanism of α 345(IV) that was previously unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kuwazuru
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mary Ann Suico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Omachi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Haruka Kojima
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Misato Kamura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shota Kaseda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Teppei Kawahara
- Department of Instrumental Analysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Useful and Unique Natural Products for Drug Discovery and Development (UpRod), Program for Building Regional Innovation Ecosystems, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Hitora
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Natural Medicines, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hikaru Kato
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Natural Medicines, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tsukamoto
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Natural Medicines, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mikiyo Wada
- Department of Instrumental Analysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Useful and Unique Natural Products for Drug Discovery and Development (UpRod), Program for Building Regional Innovation Ecosystems, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Asano
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kotani
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Instrumental Analysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakajima
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shogo Misumi
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Sannomiya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Horizono
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuimi Koyama
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Aimi Owaki
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Karim M, Lo CW, Einav S. Preparing for the next viral threat with broad-spectrum antivirals. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170236. [PMID: 37259914 PMCID: PMC10232003 DOI: 10.1172/jci170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a large global unmet need for the development of countermeasures to combat hundreds of viruses known to cause human disease and for the establishment of a therapeutic portfolio for future pandemic preparedness. Most approved antiviral therapeutics target proteins encoded by a single virus, providing a narrow spectrum of coverage. This, combined with the slow pace and high cost of drug development, limits the scalability of this direct-acting antiviral (DAA) approach. Here, we summarize progress and challenges in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target either viral elements (proteins, genome structures, and lipid envelopes) or cellular proviral factors co-opted by multiple viruses via newly discovered compounds or repurposing of approved drugs. These strategies offer new means for developing therapeutics against both existing and emerging viral threats that complement DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Karim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Shirit Einav
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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5
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Targeting Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria by Repurposing the Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Drug Alisporivir. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0039222. [PMID: 36374050 PMCID: PMC9765015 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00392-22] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance raises an urgent need to find new antimalarial drugs. Here, we report the rational repurposing of the anti-hepatitis C virus drug, alisporivir, a nonimmunosuppressive analog of cyclosporin A, against artemisinin-resistant strains of P. falciparum. In silico docking studies and molecular dynamic simulation predicted strong interaction of alisporivir with PfCyclophilin 19B, confirmed through biophysical assays with a Kd value of 354.3 nM. Alisporivir showed potent antimalarial activity against chloroquine-resistant (PfRKL-9 with resistance index [Ri] 2.14 ± 0.23) and artemisinin-resistant (PfKelch13R539T with Ri 1.15 ± 0.04) parasites. The Ri is defined as the ratio between the IC50 values of the resistant line to that of the sensitive line. To further investigate the mechanism involved, we analyzed the expression level of PfCyclophilin 19B in artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum (PfKelch13R539T). Semiquantitative real-time transcript, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the overexpression of PfCyclophilin 19B in PfKelch13R539T. A 50% inhibitory concentration in the nanomolar range, together with the targeting of PfCyclophilin 19B, suggests that alisporivir can be used in combination with artemisinin. Since artemisinin resistance slows the clearance of ring-stage parasites, we performed a ring survival assay on artemisinin-resistant strain PfKelch13R539T and found significant decrease in parasite survival with alisporivir. Alisporivir was found to act synergistically with dihydroartemisinin and increase its efficacy. Furthermore, alisporivir exhibited antimalarial activity in vivo. Altogether, with the rational target-based Repurposing of alisporivir against malaria, our results support the hypothesis that targeting resistance mechanisms is a viable approach toward dealing with drug-resistant parasite.
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Instability Challenges and Stabilization Strategies of Pharmaceutical Proteins. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112533. [PMID: 36432723 PMCID: PMC9699111 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the structure of protein and peptide drugs has become one of the most important goals of scientists in recent decades. Cold and thermal denaturation conditions, lyophilization and freeze drying, different pH conditions, concentrations, ionic strength, environmental agitation, the interaction between the surface of liquid and air as well as liquid and solid, and even the architectural structure of storage containers are among the factors that affect the stability of these therapeutic biomacromolecules. The use of genetic engineering, side-directed mutagenesis, fusion strategies, solvent engineering, the addition of various preservatives, surfactants, and additives are some of the solutions to overcome these problems. This article will discuss the types of stress that lead to instabilities of different proteins used in pharmaceutics including regulatory proteins, antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, and then all the methods for fighting these stresses will be reviewed. New and existing analytical methods that are used to detect the instabilities, mainly changes in their primary and higher order structures, are briefly summarized.
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Akbarian M, Khani A, Eghbalpour S, Uversky VN. Bioactive Peptides: Synthesis, Sources, Applications, and Proposed Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031445. [PMID: 35163367 PMCID: PMC8836030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a group of biological molecules that are normally buried in the structure of parent proteins and become active after the cleavage of the proteins. Another group of peptides is actively produced and found in many microorganisms and the body of organisms. Today, many groups of bioactive peptides have been marketed chemically or recombinantly. This article reviews the various production methods and sources of these important/ubiquitous and useful biomolecules. Their applications, such as antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antioxidant activities, blood-lipid-lowering effect, opioid role, antiobesity, ability to bind minerals, antidiabetic, and antiaging effects, will be explored. The types of pathways proposed for bioactive applications will be in the next part of the article, and at the end, the future perspectives of bioactive peptides will be reviewed. Reading this article is recommended for researchers interested in various fields of physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology and food industry professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Akbarian
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Ali Khani
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Sara Eghbalpour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran;
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(813)-974-5816
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Parapini S, Paone S, Erba E, Cavicchini L, Pourshaban M, Celani F, Contini A, D’Alessandro S, Olivieri A. In Vitro Antimalarial Activity of Inhibitors of the Human GTPase Rac1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0149821. [PMID: 34723630 PMCID: PMC8765435 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01498-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria accounts for millions of cases and thousands of deaths every year. In the absence of an effective vaccine, drugs are still the most important tool in the fight against the disease. Plasmodium parasites developed resistance to all classes of known antimalarial drugs. Thus, the search for antimalarial drugs with novel mechanisms of action is compelling. The human GTPase Rac1 plays a role in parasite invasion of the host cell in many intracellular pathogens. Also, in Plasmodium falciparum, the involvement of Rac1 during both the invasion process and parasite intracellular development was suggested. The aim of this work is to test a panel of Rac1 inhibitors as potential antimalarial drugs. Fourteen commercially available or newly synthesized inhibitors of Rac1 were tested for antimalarial activity. Among these, EHop-016 was the most effective against P. falciparum in vitro, with nanomolar 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) (138.8 ± 16.0 nM on the chloroquine-sensitive D10 strain and 321.5 ± 28.5 nM on the chloroquine-resistant W2 strain) and a selectivity index of 37.8. EHop-016 did not inhibit parasite invasion of red blood cells but affected parasite growth inside them. Among the tested Rac1 inhibitors, EHop-016 showed promising activity that raises attention to this class of molecules as potential antimalarials and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Paone
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Erba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Loredana Cavicchini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Celani
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah D’Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Bellavita R, Casciaro B, Di Maro S, Brancaccio D, Carotenuto A, Falanga A, Cappiello F, Buommino E, Galdiero S, Novellino E, Grossmann TN, Mangoni ML, Merlino F, Grieco P. First-in-Class Cyclic Temporin L Analogue: Design, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Assessment. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11675-11694. [PMID: 34296619 PMCID: PMC8389922 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of bioactive peptides can be modulated by introducing conformational constraints such as intramolecular macrocyclizations, which can involve either the backbone and/or side chains. Herein, we aimed at increasing the α-helicity content of temporin L, an isoform of an intriguing class of linear antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), endowed with a wide antimicrobial spectrum, by the employment of diverse side-chain tethering strategies, including lactam, 1,4-substituted [1,2,3]-triazole, hydrocarbon, and disulfide linkers. Our approach resulted in a library of cyclic temporin L analogues that were biologically assessed for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antibiofilm activities, leading to the development of the first-in-class cyclic peptide related to this AMP family. Our results allowed us to expand the knowledge regarding the relationship between the α-helical character of temporin derivatives and their biological activity, paving the way for the development of improved antibiotic cyclic AMP analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania “Luigi
Vanvitelli”, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department
of Agricultural Sciences, University of
Naples “Federico II”, Portici 80055, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Buommino
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Department
of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Naples 80131, Italy
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Bobardt M, Ramirez CM, Baum MM, Ure D, Foster R, Gallay PA. The combination of the NS5A and cyclophilin inhibitors results in an additive anti-HCV inhibition in humanized mice without development of resistance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251934. [PMID: 34014993 PMCID: PMC8136729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251934] [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: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others previously reported that the direct-acting agents (DAA) NS5A inhibitors (NS5Ai) and the host-targeting agents cyclophilin inhibitors (CypIs) inhibit HCV replication in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of NS5Ai and CypI offers a potent anti-HCV effect in vivo. A single administration of NS5Ai or CypI alone to HCV-infected humanized-mice inhibits HCV replication. The combination of NS5Ai with CypI suppresses HCV (GT1a, GT2a, GT3a and GT4a) replication in an additive manner. NS5Ai/CypI combinations provide a statistically more profound anti-HCV inhibition for GT2a and GT3a than GT1a and GT4a, leading to a fastest and deepest inhibition of GT2a and GT3a replications. Combining CypI with NS5Ai prevents the viral rebound normally observed in mice treated with NS5Ai alone. Results were confirmed in mice implanted with human hepatocytes from different donors. Therefore, the combination of NS5Ai with CypI may serve as a regimen for the treatment of HCV patients with specific genotypes and disorder conditions, which diminish sustain viral response levels to DAA, such as GT3a infection, cirrhosis, and DAA resistance associated with the selection of resistance-associated substitutions present at baseline or are acquired during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Ramirez
- Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Marc M. Baum
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, United States of America
| | - Daren Ure
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey
| | | | - Philippe A. Gallay
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Xu J, Xue Y, Zhou R, Shi PY, Li H, Zhou J. Drug repurposing approach to combating coronavirus: Potential drugs and drug targets. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1375-1426. [PMID: 33277927 PMCID: PMC8044022 DOI: 10.1002/med.21763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, three highly pathogenic human coronaviruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and, recently, SARS-CoV-2, have caused pandemics of severe acute respiratory diseases with alarming morbidity and mortality. Due to the lack of specific anti-CoV therapies, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a great challenge to clinical management and highlights an urgent need for effective interventions. Drug repurposing is a rapid and feasible strategy to identify effective drugs for combating this deadly infection. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic CoV targets, focus on the existing small molecule drugs that have the potential to be repurposed for existing and emerging CoV infections of the future, and discuss the clinical progress of developing small molecule drugs for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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12
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Murugan NA, Raja KMP, Saraswathi NT. Peptide-Based Antiviral Drugs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:261-284. [PMID: 34258744 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Three types of chemical entities, namely, small organic molecules (organics), peptides, and biologics, are mainly used as drug candidates for the treatment of various diseases. Even though the peptide drugs are known since 1920 in association with the clinical use of insulin, only a limited number of peptides are currently used for therapeutics due to various disadvantages associated with them such as limited serum and blood stability, oral bioavailability, and permeability. Since, through chemical modifications and structure tuning, many of these limitations can be overcome, peptide-based drugs are gaining attention in pharmaceutical research. As of today, there are more than 60 peptide-based drugs approved by FDA, and over 150 peptides are in the advanced clinical studies. In this book chapter, the peptide-based lead compounds and drugs available for treating various viral diseases and their advantages and disadvantages when compared to small molecules drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Arul Murugan
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - K Muruga Poopathi Raja
- Chemical Biology and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - N T Saraswathi
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, Sastra Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
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13
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Scheuplein NJ, Bzdyl NM, Kibble EA, Lohr T, Holzgrabe U, Sarkar-Tyson M. Targeting Protein Folding: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Pathogenic Bacteria. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13355-13388. [PMID: 32786507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, exacerbated by increasing antibiotic resistance in many bacterial species. The development of drugs with new modes of action is essential. A leading strategy is antivirulence, with the aim to target bacterial proteins that are important in disease causation and progression but do not affect growth, resulting in reduced selective pressure for resistance. Immunophilins, a superfamily of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) enzymes have been shown to be important for virulence in a broad-spectrum of pathogenic bacteria. This Perspective will provide an overview of the recent advances made in understanding the role of each immunophilin family, cyclophilins, FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), and parvulins in bacteria. Inhibitor design and medicinal chemistry strategies for development of novel drugs against bacterial FKBPs will be discussed. Furthermore, drugs against human cyclophilins and parvulins will be reviewed in their current indication as antiviral and anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J Scheuplein
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole M Bzdyl
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
| | - Emily A Kibble
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150 Murdoch, Australia
| | - Theresa Lohr
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mitali Sarkar-Tyson
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
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14
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Structurally distinct cyclosporin and sanglifehrin analogs CRV431 and NV556 suppress established HCV infection in humanized-liver mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237236. [PMID: 32764799 PMCID: PMC7413547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that the non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors (CypIs)—cyclosporin A analog CRV431 and sanglifehrin analog NV556—efficiently inhibit HCV replication in vitro. In this study, we asked whether they can also reduce HCV replication in vivo. We found that a single oral administration of CRV431 and NV556 to HCV-infected humanized-liver mice drastically reduced HCV blood levels. The antiviral effect was observed when CRV431 or NV556 were each individually administered with HCV, 3, 6 weeks or even 3 months post-infection when viral replication is robust. These results were confirmed in chimeric mice implanted with human hepatocytes isolated from three distinct donors. Remarkably, no viral rebound was observed 5 months after a single dose administration of 50 mg/kg of CRV431 or NV556 four weeks post-HCV infection, indicating the possibility of suppression of an established viral infection. Since we recently demonstrated that both CRV431 and NV556 also inhibit the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in nonviral-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse models, our present data suggest that the two entirely structurally different CypIs—CRV431 and NV556—derived from unrelated natural products, represent attractive partners to current direct-acting agent (DAA) regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C and liver diseases.
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15
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Li X, Han J, Lee HW, Yoon YS, Jin Y, Khadka DB, Yang S, Kim M, Cho WJ. SAR study of bisamides as cyclophilin a inhibitors for the development of host-targeting therapy for hepatitis C virus infection. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115679. [PMID: 32912430 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The therapy of chronic hepatitis C virus infections has significantly improved with the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which contain NS3/4A protease, NS5A, and NS5B polymerase inhibitors. However, mutations in specific residues in these viral target genes are associated with resistance to the DAAs. Especially inhibitors of NS3/4A protease and NS5A, such as grazoprevir and velpatasvir, have a low barrier to resistant mutations. As a result, the mutations influence the virological outcomes after DAA treatment. CypA inhibitors, as host-targeted agents, act on host factors to inhibit HCV replication, exhibiting a high resistance barrier and pan-genotype activities against HCV. Therefore, they can be developed into alternative, more effective anti-HCV agents. However, CypA inhibitors are natural products and analogs. Based on previous studies, bisamide derivatives were designed and synthesized to develop a novel class of CypA inhibitors. Bisamide derivative 7c is a promising compound with potent anti-HCV activity at subtoxic concentrations. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that 7c directly binds to CypA. All these studies indicated that the derivative 7c is a potent CypA inhibitor, which can be used as a host-targeted agent in combination with other antiviral agents for anti-HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhe Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Seul Yoon
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yifeng Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Daulat B Khadka
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhui Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Meehyein Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Jea Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Brayden D, Hill T, Fairlie D, Maher S, Mrsny R. Systemic delivery of peptides by the oral route: Formulation and medicinal chemistry approaches. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 157:2-36. [PMID: 32479930 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In its 33 years, ADDR has published regularly on the po5tential of oral delivery of biologics especially peptides and proteins. In the intervening period, analysis of the preclinical and clinical trial failures of many purported platform technologies has led to reflection on the true status of the field and reigning in of expectations. Oral formulations of semaglutide, octreotide, and salmon calcitonin have completed Phase III trials, with oral semaglutide being approved by the FDA in 2019. The progress made with oral peptide formulations based on traditional permeation enhancers is against a background of low and variable oral bioavailability values of ~1%, leading to a current perception that only potent peptides with a viable cost of synthesis can be realistically considered. Desirable features of candidates should include a large therapeutic index, some stability in the GI tract, a long elimination half-life, and a relatively low clearance rate. Administration in nanoparticle formats have largely disappointed, with few prototypes reaching clinical trials: insufficient particle loading, lack of controlled release, low epithelial particle uptake, and lack of scalable synthesis being the main reasons for discontinuation. Disruptive technologies based on engineered devices promise improvements, but scale-up and toxicology aspects are issues to address. In parallel, medicinal chemists are synthesizing stable hydrophobic macrocyclic candidate peptides of lower molecular weight and with potential for greater oral bioavailability than linear peptides, but perhaps without the same requirement for elaborate drug delivery systems. In summary, while there have been advances in understanding the limitations of peptides for oral delivery, low membrane permeability, metabolism, and high clearance rates continue to hamper progress.
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17
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Lindblom RSJ, Higgins GC, Nguyen TV, Arnstein M, Henstridge DC, Granata C, Snelson M, Thallas-Bonke V, Cooper ME, Forbes JM, Coughlan MT. Delineating a role for the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in diabetic kidney disease by targeting cyclophilin D. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:239-259. [PMID: 31943002 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial stress has been widely observed in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a functional component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) which allows the exchange of ions and solutes between the mitochondrial matrix to induce mitochondrial swelling and activation of cell death pathways. CypD has been successfully targeted in other disease contexts to improve mitochondrial function and reduced pathology. Two approaches were used to elucidate the role of CypD and the mPTP in DKD. Firstly, mice with a deletion of the gene encoding CypD (Ppif-/-) were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ) and followed for 24 weeks. Secondly, Alisporivir, a CypD inhibitor was administered to the db/db mouse model (5 mg/kg/day oral gavage for 16 weeks). Ppif-/- mice were not protected against diabetes-induced albuminuria and had greater glomerulosclerosis than their WT diabetic littermates. Renal hyperfiltration was lower in diabetic Ppif-/- as compared with WT mice. Similarly, Alisporivir did not improve renal function nor pathology in db/db mice as assessed by no change in albuminuria, KIM-1 excretion and glomerulosclerosis. Db/db mice exhibited changes in mitochondrial function, including elevated respiratory control ratio (RCR), reduced mitochondrial H2O2 generation and increased proximal tubular mitochondrial volume, but these were unaffected by Alisporivir treatment. Taken together, these studies indicate that CypD has a complex role in DKD and direct targeting of this component of the mPTP will likely not improve renal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runa S J Lindblom
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin C Higgins
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maryann Arnstein
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Cesare Granata
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Snelson
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mark E Cooper
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine M Forbes
- Glycation and Diabetes Group, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melinda T Coughlan
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Zappulo E, Scotto R, Buonomo AR, Maraolo AE, Pinchera B, Gentile I. Efficacy and safety of a fixed dose combination tablet of asunaprevir + beclabuvir + daclatasvir for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:261-273. [PMID: 31914336 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1697674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to infect approximately 70 million people worldwide. If left untreated, chronic infection can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. The advent of new direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has revolutionized patients' chances of treatment and viral elimination. Currently, several DAA options are available on the market.Areas covered: This review focuses on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, tolerability and safety profile of DCV-TRIO, a twice-daily fixed-dose combination of daclatasvir, asunaprevir and beclabuvir approved in Japan for the treatment of genotype 1 HCV infection.Expert opinion: The DCV-TRIO combination achieved good response rates in genotype 1 patients (SVR12 ≥ 95% in naïve subtype 1b), independently from IL28B genotype, cirrhotic status and prior interferon exposure. On the other hand, unsatisfying response rates were reported in DAA-experienced patients and the risk of RAS selection should not be underestimated. Moreover, DCV-TRIO lacks differentiation from its earlier-launched DAA rivals, presents an inconvenient twice-daily dosing schedule and is not recommended in patients with advanced liver and kidney disease. All these drawbacks considerably limit its effective commercial potential. However, it can be a therapeutic option against HCV in tailored approaches according to the needs of different markets across the world.Abbreviations AE: adverse event; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; ASV: asunaprevir; AUC: area under the curve; BCRP: Breast Cancer Resistance Protein; BCV: boceprevir; BID: bis in die; CI: confidence intervals; CLcr: creatinine clearance; DAA: direct acting antivirals; DCV: daclatasvir; EC50: Half maximal effective concentration; GT: genotype; HCV: Hepatitis C virus; IFN: Interferon; NHL: non-Hodgkin lymphoma; OATP: Organic anion transporting polypeptides; OR: odds ratio; P-gp: P-glycoprotein; PK: pharmacokinetics; QD: quo die; RAS: resistance-associated substitutions; SVR: sustained virological response; USD: Unites States dollar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Zappulo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Enrico Maraolo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Pinchera
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Ma-Lauer Y, Zheng Y, Malešević M, von Brunn B, Fischer G, von Brunn A. Influences of cyclosporin A and non-immunosuppressive derivatives on cellular cyclophilins and viral nucleocapsid protein during human coronavirus 229E replication. Antiviral Res 2019; 173:104620. [PMID: 31634494 PMCID: PMC7114175 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The well-known immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A inhibits replication of various viruses including coronaviruses by binding to cellular cyclophilins thus inactivating their cis-trans peptidyl-prolyl isomerase function. Viral nucleocapsid proteins are inevitable for genome encapsidation and replication. Here we demonstrate the interaction between the N protein of HCoV-229E and cyclophilin A, not cyclophilin B. Cyclophilin inhibitors abolish this interaction. Upon infection, cyclophilin A stays evenly distributed throughout the cell, whereas cyclophilin B concentrates at ER-bleb-like structures. We further show the inhibitory potential of non-immunosuppressive CsA derivatives Alisporivir, NIM811, compound 3 on HCoV-229E-GFP and -Luciferase replication in human Huh-7.5 hepatoma cells at 18 and 48 h time points post infection with EC50 s at low micromolar ranges. Thus, non-immunosuppressive CsA derivatives effectively inhibit HCoV-229E replication suggesting them as possible candidates for the treatment of HCoV infection. The interruption of interaction between CypA and N protein by CsA and its derivatives suggest a mechanism how CypA inhibitors suppress viral replication. HCoV-229E replication is inhibited by Alisporivir, NIM811 and other non-immunosuppressive Cyclosporin A derivatives. HCoV-229E N protein interacts with cyclophilin A. Cyclophilin A is required for coronavirus replication. Cyclophilin B concentrates in bleb-like structures of the ER in HCoV-infected Huh7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma-Lauer
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Yu Zheng
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Miroslav Malešević
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Brigitte von Brunn
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysical Chemistry Goettingen, BO Halle, Germany
| | - Albrecht von Brunn
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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20
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Gallay P, Ure D, Bobardt M, Chatterji U, Ou J, Trepanier D, Foster R. The cyclophilin inhibitor CRV431 inhibits liver HBV DNA and HBsAg in transgenic mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217433. [PMID: 31181107 PMCID: PMC6557616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health burden worldwide with 240 million chronically infected individuals. Nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferons are the current standards of care due to their suppression of HBV replication, but the treatments rarely eradicate HBV from individuals. Similar to current treatments for human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, improved HBV therapies will require the combination of multiple drugs which target distinct steps of the HBV life cycle. In this study, we tested the potential of a cyclophilin inhibitor, CRV431, to affect HBV replication in transgenic mice. We found that oral treatment with CRV431 (50 mg/kg/day) for a period of 16 days significantly reduced liver HBV DNA levels and moderately decreased serum HBsAg levels. We observed an additive inhibitory effect on liver HBV DNA levels in mice treated with a combination of low doses of CRV431 (10 mg/kg/day) and the nucleotide prodrug, tenofovir exalidex (TXL), (5 mg/kg/day). No toxicity was observed in CRV431-treated mice. Although it is well known that CRV431 neutralizes the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity of cyclophilins, its anti-HBV mechanism(s) of action remains unknown. Nevertheless, this study provides the first demonstration of a beneficial effect of a cyclophilin inhibitor in vivo in an HBV transgenic mouse model. Altogether our data reveal the potential of CRV431 to be part of improved new therapies for HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gallay
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Daren Ure
- ContraVir Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Udayan Chatterji
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Trepanier
- ContraVir Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Robert Foster
- ContraVir Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, New Jersey, United States of America
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21
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Stanciu C, Trifan A, Muzica C, Sfarti C. Efficacy and safety of alisporivir for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:379-384. [PMID: 30576256 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1560424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alisporivir (ALV) (previously known as Debio 025) is a potent, pangenotypic host-targeting antiviral oral agent acting on cyclophilin A, which is necessary for HCV replication. Areas covered: This article reviews the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ALV for the treatment of HCV infection. Expert opinion: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the HCV antiviral treatment paradigm with success rates well above 95% for all HCV genotypes. However, challenges still remain in certain patient populations such as those who have developed resistance and have experienced multi-DAA failure. To cure HCV infection, a treatment regimen must combine antiviral potency and a high barrier to resistance. ALV fulfills this need as shown by the studies evaluating its clinical efficacy. Nevertheless, ALV missed the chance to be included in the HCV treatment armamentarium after the FDA halted clinical studies following reports of serious side effects (three cases of pancreatitis, one lethal). However, it is possible that ALV could still be considered for HCV-infected non-cirrhotic patients that are infected with a multiresistant virus or with HCV genotype 3, although it must be said that the drug industry would be reluctant to invest in new antivirals if the current clinical need is effectively met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Stanciu
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Iasi , Romania
- b Department of Gastroenterology , St. Spiridon, Emergency Clinical Hospital , Iasi , Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Iasi , Romania
- b Department of Gastroenterology , St. Spiridon, Emergency Clinical Hospital , Iasi , Romania
| | - Cristina Muzica
- b Department of Gastroenterology , St. Spiridon, Emergency Clinical Hospital , Iasi , Romania
| | - Catalin Sfarti
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Iasi , Romania
- b Department of Gastroenterology , St. Spiridon, Emergency Clinical Hospital , Iasi , Romania
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22
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Baumert TF, Berg T, Lim JK, Nelson DR. Status of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Remaining Challenges. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:431-445. [PMID: 30342035 PMCID: PMC6446912 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus is a major cause of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. After the discovery of hepatitis C virus 3 decades ago, the identification of the structure of the viral proteins, combined with high-throughput replicon models, enabled the discovery and development of direct-acting antivirals. These agents have revolutionized patient care, with cure rates of more than 90%. We review the status of direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus infection and discuss remaining challenges. We highlight licensed compounds, discuss the potential to shorten therapy even further, and review different options for treatment failure and resistance. We also provide an overview of clinical experience with generic agents and evidence for their efficacy. Finally, we discuss the need for new drugs and outline promising targets for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Pôle Hépato-digestif, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas Berg
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joseph K Lim
- Section of Digestive Diseases and Yale Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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23
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Zusinaite E, Ianevski A, Niukkanen D, Poranen MM, Bjørås M, Afset JE, Tenson T, Velagapudi V, Merits A, Kainov DE. A Systems Approach to Study Immuno- and Neuro-Modulatory Properties of Antiviral Agents. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080423. [PMID: 30103549 PMCID: PMC6116047 DOI: 10.3390/v10080423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are dozens of approved, investigational and experimental antiviral agents. Many of these agents cause serious side effects, which can only be revealed after drug administration. Identification of the side effects prior to drug administration is challenging. Here we describe an ex vivo approach for studying immuno- and neuro-modulatory properties of antiviral agents, which may be associated with potential side effects of these therapeutics. The current approach combines drug toxicity/efficacy tests and transcriptomics, which is followed by mRNA, cytokine and metabolite profiling. We demonstrated the utility of this approach with several examples of antiviral agents. We also showed that the approach can utilize different immune stimuli and cell types. It can also include other omics techniques, such as genomics and epigenomics, to allow identification of individual markers associated with adverse reactions to antivirals with immuno- and neuro-modulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zusinaite
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7028 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Diana Niukkanen
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Minna M Poranen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Magnar Bjørås
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7028 Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jan Egil Afset
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7028 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Tanel Tenson
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Vidya Velagapudi
- Institute Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Denis E Kainov
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7028 Trondheim, Norway.
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24
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Zitzmann C, Kaderali L. Mathematical Analysis of Viral Replication Dynamics and Antiviral Treatment Strategies: From Basic Models to Age-Based Multi-Scale Modeling. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1546. [PMID: 30050523 PMCID: PMC6050366 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases are a global health concern, as is evident by recent outbreaks of the middle east respiratory syndrome, Ebola virus disease, and re-emerging zika, dengue, and chikungunya fevers. Viral epidemics are a socio-economic burden that causes short- and long-term costs for disease diagnosis and treatment as well as a loss in productivity by absenteeism. These outbreaks and their socio-economic costs underline the necessity for a precise analysis of virus-host interactions, which would help to understand disease mechanisms and to develop therapeutic interventions. The combination of quantitative measurements and dynamic mathematical modeling has increased our understanding of the within-host infection dynamics and has led to important insights into viral pathogenesis, transmission, and disease progression. Furthermore, virus-host models helped to identify drug targets, to predict the treatment duration to achieve cure, and to reduce treatment costs. In this article, we review important achievements made by mathematical modeling of viral kinetics on the extracellular, intracellular, and multi-scale level for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Influenza A Virus, Ebola Virus, Dengue Virus, and Zika Virus. Herein, we focus on basic mathematical models on the population scale (so-called target cell-limited models), detailed models regarding the most important steps in the viral life cycle, and the combination of both. For this purpose, we review how mathematical modeling of viral dynamics helped to understand the virus-host interactions and disease progression or clearance. Additionally, we review different types and effects of therapeutic strategies and how mathematical modeling has been used to predict new treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Zitzmann
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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25
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Xue C, Sowden MP, Berk BC. Extracellular and Intracellular Cyclophilin A, Native and Post-Translationally Modified, Show Diverse and Specific Pathological Roles in Diseases. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:986-993. [PMID: 29599134 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CypA (cyclophilin A) is a ubiquitous and highly conserved protein with peptidyl prolyl isomerase activity. Because of its highly abundant level in the cytoplasm, most studies have focused on the roles of CypA as an intracellular protein. However, emerging evidence suggests an important role for extracellular CypA in the pathogenesis of several diseases through receptor (CD147 or other)-mediated autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways. In this review, we will discuss the shared and unique pathological roles of extracellular and intracellular CypA in human cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the evolving role of post-translational modifications of CypA in the pathogenesis of disease is discussed. Finally, recent studies with drugs specific for extracellular CypA show its importance in disease pathogenesis in several animal models and make extracellular CypA a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xue
- From the Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Mark P Sowden
- From the Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Bradford C Berk
- From the Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.
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26
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Crouchet E, Wrensch F, Schuster C, Zeisel MB, Baumert TF. Host-targeting therapies for hepatitis C virus infection: current developments and future applications. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756284818759483. [PMID: 29619090 PMCID: PMC5871046 DOI: 10.1177/1756284818759483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. In the past few years, anti-HCV therapies have undergone a revolution with the approval of multiple direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which enable interferon-free treatments with considerable improvement of sustained virologic response in patients. Today, DAAs have become the standard of care for HCV therapy. However, several limitations remain, which include access to therapy, treatment failure in a subset of patients and persistent risk of HCC development following cure in patients with advanced fibrosis. By targeting conserved host proteins involved in the HCV life cycle, host-targeting agents (HTAs) offer opportunities for pan-genotypic antiviral approaches with a high barrier to drug resistance. Moreover, when applied in combination with DAAs, HTAs could improve the management of difficult-to-treat patients by acting through a complementary mechanism of action. In this review, we summarize the different HTAs evaluated in preclinical and clinical development and discuss their potential role for anti-HCV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Crouchet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Florian Wrensch
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mirjam B. Zeisel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL), Lyon, France
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27
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Scrima R, Piccoli C, Moradpour D, Capitanio N. Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum and/or Mitochondrial Ca 2+ Fluxes as Therapeutic Strategy for HCV Infection. Front Chem 2018; 6:73. [PMID: 29619366 PMCID: PMC5871704 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is characterized by metabolic disorders and by a microenvironment in the liver dominated by oxidative stress, inflammation and regeneration processes that can in the long term lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunctions play a central role in these processes. However, how these dysfunctions are induced by the virus and whether they play a role in disease progression and neoplastic transformation remains to be determined. Most in vitro studies performed so far have shown that several of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins also localize to mitochondria, but the consequences of these interactions on mitochondrial functions remain contradictory and need to be confirmed in the context of productively replicating virus and physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo model systems. In the past decade we have been proposing a temporal sequence of events in the HCV-infected cell whereby the primary alteration is localized at the mitochondria-associated ER membranes and causes release of Ca2+ from the ER, followed by uptake into mitochondria. This ensues successive mitochondrial dysfunction leading to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and a progressive metabolic adaptive response consisting in decreased oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced aerobic glycolysis and lipogenesis. Here we resume the major results provided by our group in the context of HCV-mediated alterations of the cellular inter-compartmental calcium flux homeostasis and present new evidence suggesting targeting of ER and/or mitochondrial calcium transporters as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosella Scrima
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Claudia Piccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nazzareno Capitanio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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28
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Nielsen DS, Shepherd NE, Xu W, Lucke AJ, Stoermer MJ, Fairlie DP. Orally Absorbed Cyclic Peptides. Chem Rev 2017; 117:8094-8128. [PMID: 28541045 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are not orally bioavailable in mammals, although a few peptides are intestinally absorbed in small amounts. Polypeptides are generally too large and polar to passively diffuse through lipid membranes, while most known active transport mechanisms facilitate cell uptake of only very small peptides. Systematic evaluations of peptides with molecular weights above 500 Da are needed to identify parameters that influence oral bioavailability. Here we describe 125 cyclic peptides containing four to thirty-seven amino acids that are orally absorbed by mammals. Cyclization minimizes degradation in the gut, blood, and tissues by removing cleavable N- and C-termini and by shielding components from metabolic enzymes. Cyclization also folds peptides into bioactive conformations that determine exposure of polar atoms to solvation by water and lipids and therefore can influence oral bioavailability. Key chemical properties thought to influence oral absorption and bioavailability are analyzed, including molecular weight, octanol-water partitioning, hydrogen bond donors/acceptors, rotatable bonds, and polar surface area. The cyclic peptides violated to different degrees all of the limits traditionally considered to be important for oral bioavailability of drug-like small molecules, although fewer hydrogen bond donors and reduced flexibility generally favored oral absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Nielsen
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas E Shepherd
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Weijun Xu
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lucke
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Martin J Stoermer
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, and ‡Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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29
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Juvvadi PR, Lee SC, Heitman J, Steinbach WJ. Calcineurin in fungal virulence and drug resistance: Prospects for harnessing targeted inhibition of calcineurin for an antifungal therapeutic approach. Virulence 2017; 8:186-197. [PMID: 27325145 PMCID: PMC5354160 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1201250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Increases in the incidence and mortality due to the major invasive fungal infections such as aspergillosis, candidiasis and cryptococcosis caused by the species of Aspergillus, Candida and Cryptococcus, are a growing threat to the immunosuppressed patient population. In addition to the limited armamentarium of the current classes of antifungal agents available (pyrimidine analogs, polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins), their toxicity, efficacy and the emergence of resistance are major bottlenecks limiting successful patient outcomes. Although these drugs target distinct fungal pathways, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungals that are more efficacious, fungal-specific, with reduced or no toxicity and simultaneously do not induce resistance. Here we review several lines of evidence which indicate that the calcineurin signaling pathway, a target of the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and cyclosporine A, orchestrates growth, virulence and drug resistance in a variety of fungal pathogens and can be exploited for novel antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen R. Juvvadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Soo Chan Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William J. Steinbach
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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30
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Gane E, Stedman C, Dole K, Chen J, Meyers CD, Wiedmann B, Zhang J, Raman P, Colvin RA. A Diacylglycerol Transferase 1 Inhibitor Is a Potent Hepatitis C Antiviral in Vitro but Not in Patients in a Randomized Clinical Trial. ACS Infect Dis 2017; 3:144-151. [PMID: 27788579 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of liver disease affecting 80-150 million people globally. Diacylglycerol transferase 1 (DGAT-1), a triglyceride synthesis enzyme, is important for the HCV life cycle in vitro. Pradigastat, a potent DGAT-1 inhibitor found to lower triglycerides and HgbA1c in patients, was investigated for safety and efficacy in patients with HCV. This was a two-part study. In the in vitro study, the effect of pradigastat on virus production was evaluated in infected cells in culture. In the clinical study ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01387958 ), 32 patients with HCV infection were randomized to receive pradigastat or placebo (26:6) once daily for 14 days. Primary efficacy outcomes were serum viral RNA and alanine aminotransferase levels. In vitro, pradigastat significantly reduced virus production, consistent with inhibition of viral assembly and release. However, the clinical study was prematurely terminated for lack of efficacy. There was no significant change in serum viral RNA levels after dosing with pradigastat or placebo for 14 days. Pradigastat was safe and well-tolerated in this population. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal; there were no hepatic adverse events. Although pradigastat had a potent antiviral effect in vitro, no significant antiviral effect was observed in patients at predicted efficacious exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Gane
- Auckland Clinical Sciences, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Catherine Stedman
- Christchurch Hospital and University of Otago, Christchurch 4710, New Zealand
| | - Kiran Dole
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jin Chen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Charles Daniel Meyers
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Brigitte Wiedmann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Prakash Raman
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Richard A. Colvin
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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31
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Cyclophilin Inhibitors Remodel the Endoplasmic Reticulum of HCV-Infected Cells in a Unique Pattern Rendering Cells Impervious to a Reinfection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159511. [PMID: 27442520 PMCID: PMC4956074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of action by which cyclophilin inhibitors (CypI) interfere with the HCV life cycle remain poorly understood. We reported that CypI and NS5A inhibitors (NS5Ai), but not other classes of anti-HCV agents, prevent assembly of double membrane vesicles (DMVs), which protect replication complexes. We demonstrated that both NS5A and the isomerase cyclophilin A (CypA) are required for DMV formation. Here, we examined whether CypI mediate an additional antiviral effect that could further explain the high efficacy of CypI. We identified a unique action of CypI. CypI remodel the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of HCV-infected cells, but not of uninfected cells. This effect is specific since it was not observed for other classes of anti-HCV agents including NS5Ai, and has no effect on the viability of CypI-treated cells. Since ER serves as platform for the establishment of HCV replication complexes, we asked whether the ER reorganization by CypI would prevent cells from being newly infected. Remarkably, CypI-treated HCV-pre-infected cells remain totally impervious to a reinfection, suggesting that the CypI-mediated ER reorganization prevents a reinfection. This block is not due to residual CypI since CypI-resistant HCV variants also fail to infect these cells. The ER reorganization by CypI is rapid and reversible. This study provides the first evidence that CypI trigger a unique ER reorganization of infected cells, rendering cells transiently impervious to a reinfection. This study further suggests that the HCV-induced ER rearrangement represents a key target for the development of new therapies.
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32
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Cuypers L, Snoeck J, Kerremans L, Libin P, Crabbé R, Van Dooren S, Vuagniaux G, Vandamme AM. HCV1b genome evolution under selective pressure of the cyclophilin inhibitor alisporivir during the DEB-025-HCV-203 phase II clinical trial. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:169-181. [PMID: 27374748 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Major advances have revolutionized the HCV antiviral treatment field, with interferon-free combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) resulting into success rates of >90% for all HCV genotypes. Nevertheless, viral eradication at a global level stills remains challenging, stimulating the continued search for new affordable pan-genotypic drugs. To overcome selection of drug resistant variants, targeting host proteins can be an attractive mechanism of action. Alisporivir (Debio 025) is a potent pan-genotypic host-targeting antiviral agent, acting on cyclophilin A, which is necessary for HCV replication. The efficacy and safety of three different oral doses of alisporivir in combination with pegylated interferon-α2a given over a period of four weeks, was investigated in a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase IIa clinical trial, in 90 treatment-naïve subjects infected with chronic hepatitis C, wherefrom 58 HCV1b samples were selected for genetic sequencing purposes. Sequencing results were used to study the HCV genome for amino acid changes potentially related with selective pressure and resistance to alisporivir. By comparing baseline and on-treatment sequences, a large variation in proportion of amino acid changes was detected in all treatment arms. The NS5A variant D320E, which was previously identified during in vitro resistance selection and resulted in 3.6-fold reduced alisporivir susceptibility, emerged in two subjects in the alisporivir monotherapy arm. However, emergence of D320E appeared to be associated only with concurrent viral load rebound in one subject with 0.8log10IU/ml increase in HCV RNA. In general, for all datasets, low numbers of positions under positive selective pressure were observed, with no significant differences between naïve and treated sequences. Additionally, incomplete sequence information for some of the 22 patients and the low number of individuals per treatment arm, is limiting the power to assess the association of alisporivir or interferon treatment with the observed amino acid changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joke Snoeck
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lien Kerremans
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Libin
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Raf Crabbé
- Debiopharm International S.A., Che. Messidor 5-7, P.O. Box 5911, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sonia Van Dooren
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Grégoire Vuagniaux
- Debiopharm International S.A., Che. Messidor 5-7, P.O. Box 5911, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Jungquiera 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal.
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33
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Human DDX3 protein is a valuable target to develop broad spectrum antiviral agents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:5388-93. [PMID: 27118832 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1522987113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting a host factor essential for the replication of different viruses but not for the cells offers a higher genetic barrier to the development of resistance, may simplify therapy regimens for coinfections, and facilitates management of emerging viral diseases. DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3) is a human host factor required for the replication of several DNA and RNA viruses, including some of the most challenging human pathogens currently circulating, such as HIV-1, Hepatitis C virus, Dengue virus, and West Nile virus. Herein, we showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that the inhibition of DDX3 by a small molecule could be successfully exploited for the development of a broad spectrum antiviral agent. In addition to the multiple antiviral activities, hit compound 16d retained full activity against drug-resistant HIV-1 strains in the absence of cellular toxicity. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in rats confirmed a good safety profile and bioavailability of 16d. Thus, DDX3 is here validated as a valuable therapeutic target.
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Moon JS, Lee SH, Han SH, Kim EJ, Cho H, Lee W, Kim MK, Kim TE, Park HJ, Rhee JK, Kim SJ, Cho SW, Han SH, Oh JW. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus in mouse models by lipidoid nanoparticle-mediated systemic delivery of siRNA against PRK2. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:1489-98. [PMID: 27013134 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Host-targeting antivirals have an advantage over direct-acting antivirals in that they have a high genetic barrier to resistance. Here, we describe in vivo anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) efficacy of a potent siRNA targeting the protein kinase C-related kinase 2 (PRK2), which phosphorylates HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and promotes HCV replication. PRK2-silencing reduced the phosphorylated NS5B level and resulted in inhibition of NS5B RdRp activity to decrease HCV genome abundance. Systemic administration of lipidoid nanoparticle-formulated PRK2 siRNA (once every three days for a total of three injections at a dose of 3mgkg(-1)) resulted in a 3.72 and 1.96 log10 reduction in serum HCV RNA titer, in mouse subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models for HCV replication, respectively. Our results verify the essential role of PRK2 in HCV replication and offer a host-targeting anti-HCV siRNA therapy that might be beneficial for non-responders to current treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Su Moon
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Song-Hee Han
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wooseong Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Kyu Rhee
- Western Seoul Center of Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Han
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Won Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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Gentile I, Scotto R, Zappulo E, Buonomo AR, Pinchera B, Borgia G. Investigational direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C treatment: the latest drugs in clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:557-72. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2016.1161023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Warne J, Pryce G, Hill JM, Shi X, Lennerås F, Puentes F, Kip M, Hilditch L, Walker P, Simone MI, Chan AWE, Towers GJ, Coker AR, Duchen MR, Szabadkai G, Baker D, Selwood DL. Selective Inhibition of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Protects against Neurodegeneration in Experimental Multiple Sclerosis. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:4356-73. [PMID: 26679998 PMCID: PMC4813465 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.700385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial permeability transition pore is a recognized drug target for neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis and for ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain and heart. The peptidylprolyl isomerase, cyclophilin D (CypD, PPIF), is a positive regulator of the pore, and genetic down-regulation or knock-out improves outcomes in disease models. Current inhibitors of peptidylprolyl isomerases show no selectivity between the tightly conserved cyclophilin paralogs and exhibit significant off-target effects, immunosuppression, and toxicity. We therefore designed and synthesized a new mitochondrially targeted CypD inhibitor, JW47, using a quinolinium cation tethered to cyclosporine. X-ray analysis was used to validate the design concept, and biological evaluation revealed selective cellular inhibition of CypD and the permeability transition pore with reduced cellular toxicity compared with cyclosporine. In an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis disease model of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis, JW47 demonstrated significant protection of axons and improved motor assessments with minimal immunosuppression. These findings suggest that selective CypD inhibition may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for MS and identify quinolinium as a mitochondrial targeting group for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Warne
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Pryce
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom, the Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Julia M Hill
- the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao Shi
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Felicia Lennerås
- the Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiola Puentes
- the Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Maarten Kip
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Hilditch
- the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Molecular Biology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Walker
- Cyprotex Discovery Ltd., 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3AB, United Kingdom, and
| | - Michela I Simone
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - A W Edith Chan
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Greg J Towers
- the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Molecular Biology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R Coker
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R Duchen
- the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Gyorgy Szabadkai
- the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom, the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35122, Italy
| | - David Baker
- the Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom,
| | - David L Selwood
- From the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom,
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Saeed N, Gurakar A. Tackling HCV-3 in Asia: Breakthroughs for Efficient and Cost-effective Treatment Strategies. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2016; 6:35-42. [PMID: 29201722 PMCID: PMC5578556 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to cause chronic hepatitis C, and its sequelae of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C genotype 3 (HCV-3) in particular is notorious for causing accelerated liver fibrosis, cardiovascular, and metabolic effects, thus increasing morbidity and mortality. It is the commonest variant in Asian countries like India and Pakistan. It is also one of the hardest-to-treat genotypes, especially among treatment-experienced and cirrhotic patients. Due to limited health care affordability and accessibility in these areas, many patients remain untreated. Until recently, the established therapy for HCV had been a combination of pegylated interferon + ribavirin. However, it was only effective in about half of patients and had severe adverse effects; hence a more efficacious option needed to be found. Recent advances have led to the development of sofosbuvir, an NS5B inhibitor that is fast becoming the standard of care, in combination with other novel drugs. It was initially marketed at $1,000 per pill, a cost that was too high for most. Thus, it has not been utilized as a global therapy as yet. Formulation of effective interferon-free regimens is a huge milestone, and awareness needs to be raised regarding these new highly effective options in both the physician and the patient population. This article discusses the newest drugs and combinations that have been developed in the fight against HCV-3, as a treatment outline for HCV-3-dominant areas. It also highlights recent breakthroughs in cost reductions of these drugs and the effort to make them globally accessible. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE Saeed N, Gurakar A. Tackling HCV-3 in Asia: Breakthroughs for Efficient and Cost-effective Treatment Strategies. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):35-42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naba Saeed
- Department of Transplant Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- Department of Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baltimore Maryland, USA
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Hopkins S, Gallay PA. The role of immunophilins in viral infection. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:2103-10. [PMID: 25445708 PMCID: PMC4491039 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tremendous progress has been made in the past 20 years in understanding the roles played by immunophilins, and in particular the cyclophilins, in supporting the replication cycles of human viruses. A growing body of genetic and biochemical evidence and data from clinical trials confirm that cyclophilins are essential cofactors that contribute to establishing a permissive environment within the host cell that supports the replication of HIV-1 and HCV. Cyclophilin A regulates HIV-1 replication kinetics and infectivity, modulates sensitivity to host restriction factors, and cooperates in the transit of the pre-integration complex into the nucleus of infected cells. Cyclophilin A is an essential cofactor whose expression supports HCV-specific RNA replication in human hepatocytes. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase inhibitors have been used in clinical trials to validate cyclophilins as antiviral targets for the treatment of HIV-1 and Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection and as molecular probes to identify the roles played by immunophilins in supporting the replication cycles of human viruses. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review summarizes emerging research that defines the functions of immunophilins in supporting the replication cycles of HIV-1, HCV, HBV, coronaviruses, and other viral pathogens and describes new information that suggests a role for immunophilins in regulating innate immune responses against chronic viral infection. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The dependence on cyclophilins by evolutionarily distinct viruses for accomplishing various steps in replication such as viral entry, initiation of genomic nucleic acid replication, viral genome uncoating, nuclear import and nuclear entry, emphasizes the potential of cyclophilin inhibitors as therapeutic agents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Proline-directed Foldases: Cell Signaling Catalysts and Drug Targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Hopkins
- Department of Clinical Research, Autoimmune Technologies, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA.
| | - Philippe A Gallay
- Department of Immunology & Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Zeuzem S, Flisiak R, Vierling JM, Mazur W, Mazzella G, Thongsawat S, Abdurakhmanov D, Van Kính N, Calistru P, Heo J, Stanciu C, Gould M, Makara M, Hsu SJ, Buggisch P, Samuel D, Mutimer D, Nault B, Merz M, Bao W, Griffel LH, Brass C, Naoumov NV. Randomised clinical trial: alisporivir combined with peginterferon and ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection (ESSENTIAL II). Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2015; 42:829-44. [PMID: 26238707 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alisporivir (ALV) is an oral, host-targeting agent with pangenotypic anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity and a high barrier to resistance. AIM To evaluate efficacy and safety of ALV plus peginterferon-α2a and ribavirin (PR) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. METHODS Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study evaluating ALV 600 mg once daily [response-guided therapy (RGT) for 24 or 48 weeks or 48 weeks fixed duration] or ALV 400 mg twice daily RGT with PR, compared to PR alone. Following a Food and Drug Administration partial clinical hold, ALV/placebo was discontinued and patients completed treatment with PR only. At that time, 87% of patients had received ≥12 weeks and 20% had received ≥24 weeks of ALV/PR triple therapy. RESULTS A total of 1081 patients were randomised (12% cirrhosis, 55% CT/TT IL28B). Addition of ALV to PR improved virological response in a dose-dependent fashion. Overall, sustained virological response (SVR12; primary endpoint) was 69% in all ALV groups vs. 53% in PR control. Highest SVR12 (90%) was achieved in patients treated with ALV 400 mg twice daily and PR for >24 weeks. Seven cases of pancreatitis were reported, with similar frequency between ALV/PR and PR control groups (0.6% vs. 0.8% respectively). Adverse events seen more frequently with ALV/PR than with PR alone were anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Alisporivir, especially the 400 mg twice daily regimen, increased efficacy of PR therapy in treatment-naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. The mechanism of action and pangenotypic activity suggest that alisporivir could be useful in interferon-free combination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - B Nault
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Merz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - W Bao
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - L H Griffel
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - C Brass
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA
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Pawlotsky JM, Flisiak R, Sarin SK, Rasenack J, Piratvisuth T, Chuang WL, Peng CY, Foster GR, Shah S, Wedemeyer H, Hézode C, Zhang W, Wong KA, Li B, Avila C, Naoumov NV. Alisporivir plus ribavirin, interferon free or in combination with pegylated interferon, for hepatitis C virus genotype 2 or 3 infection. Hepatology 2015; 62:1013-23. [PMID: 26118427 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Alisporivir is a cyclophilin inhibitor with pan-genotypic anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity and a high barrier to viral resistance. The VITAL-1 study assessed alisporivir as interferon (IFN)-free therapy in treatment-naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 2 or 3. Three hundred forty patients without cirrhosis were randomized to: arm 1, alisporivir (ALV) 1,000 mg once-daily (QD); arm 2, ALV 600 mg QD and ribavirin (RBV); arm 3, ALV 800 mg QD and RBV; arm 4, ALV 600 mg QD and pegylated IFN (Peg-IFN); or arm 5, Peg-IFN and RBV. Patients receiving IFN-free ALV regimens who achieved rapid virological response (RVR) continued the same treatment throughout, whereas those with detectable HCV RNA at week 4 received ALV, RBV, and Peg-IFN from weeks 6 to 24. Overall, 300 patients received ALV-based regimens. In arm 1 to arm 4, the intent-to-treat rates of sustained virological response (SVR) 24 weeks after treatment (SVR24) were from 80% to 85%, compared with 58% (n = 23 of 40) with Peg-IFN/RBV. Per-protocol analysis showed higher SVR24 rates in patients who received ALV/RBV, IFN-free after RVR (92%; n = 56 of 61) than with ALV alone after RVR (72%; n = 13 of 18) or with Peg-IFN/RBV (70%; n = 23 of 33). Both RVRs and SVRs to ALV IFN-free regimens were numerically higher in genotype 3- than in genotype 2-infected patients. Viral breakthrough was infrequent (3%; n = 7 of 258). IFN-free ALV treatment showed markedly better safety/tolerability than IFN-containing regimens. CONCLUSIONS ALV plus RBV represents an effective IFN-free option for a proportion of patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infections, with high SVR rates for patients with early viral clearance. Further investigations of ALV in IFN-free combination regimens with direct-acting antiviral drugs deserve exploration in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and Delta, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | | | - Shiv K Sarin
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jens Rasenack
- Klinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- Prince of Songkla University, Songklanagarind Hospital, Hat-Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Kaohsiung Medical University, Chang-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Graham R Foster
- Bart's and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Christophe Hézode
- INSERM U955, Créteil, France
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Wei Zhang
- Beijing Novartis Pharma Co Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Kelly A Wong
- Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA
| | - Bin Li
- Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA
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Watanabe T, Kawaoka Y. Influenza virus-host interactomes as a basis for antiviral drug development. Curr Opin Virol 2015; 14:71-8. [PMID: 26364134 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, antiviral drugs that target specific viral protein functions are available for the treatment of influenza; however, concern regarding the emergence of drug-resistant viruses is warranted, as is the urgent need for new antiviral targets, including non-viral targets, such as host cellular factors. Viruses rely on host cellular functions to replicate, and therefore a thorough understanding of the roles of virus-host interactions during influenza virus replication is essential to develop novel anti-influenza drugs that target the host factors involved in virus replication. Here, we review recent studies that used several approaches to identify host factors involved in influenza virus replication. These studies have permitted the construction of an interactome map of virus-host interactions in the influenza virus life cycle, clarifying the entire life cycle of this virus and accelerating the development of new antiviral drugs with a low propensity for the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokiko Watanabe
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 575 Science Drive, Madison, WI 53711, USA; Department of Special Pathogens, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
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Gentile I, Zappulo E, Buonomo AR, Scotto R, Borgia G. Asunaprevir for hepatitis C: a safety evaluation. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2015; 14:1631-46. [PMID: 26329454 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2015.1084287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. Non-structural 3 protease inhibitors are currently the most numerous class of DAAs on the market. AREAS COVERED This review mainly focuses on the tolerability and safety profile of asunaprevir (ASV)-containing DAA regimens. ASV is a second-wave protease inhibitor currently in Phase III clinical development in most countries and already available in Japan. EXPERT OPINION ASV shows potent antiviral effect and clinical efficacy on HCV genotypes 1 and 4. The all-oral combination daclatasvir/ASV reached high eradication rates in HCV genotype 1b and 4 infection, and a lower efficacy in genotype 1a infection. ASV presents a low potential for drug-drug interaction and a good tolerability as part of multiple, including all-oral, regimens. ASV is associated with a transient and usually mild increase in aminotransferase levels in a low percentage of cases. Due to the impaired pharmacokinetic profile observed in advanced liver disease, ASV use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment is not allowed. In conclusion, ASV represents a powerful weapon against HCV infection and has to be considered an optimal option as a component of genotype tailored interferon-free combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Gentile
- a University of Naples "Federico II", Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy +39 081 746 3178 ; +39 081 746 3190 ;
| | - Emanuela Zappulo
- a University of Naples "Federico II", Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy +39 081 746 3178 ; +39 081 746 3190 ;
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- a University of Naples "Federico II", Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy +39 081 746 3178 ; +39 081 746 3190 ;
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- a University of Naples "Federico II", Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy +39 081 746 3178 ; +39 081 746 3190 ;
| | - Guglielmo Borgia
- a University of Naples "Federico II", Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy +39 081 746 3178 ; +39 081 746 3190 ;
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Minaei AA, Kowdley KV. ABT-450/ ritonavir and ABT-267 in combination with ABT-333 for the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2015; 16:929-37. [PMID: 25800085 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2015.1024653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to be 80 - 115 million and currently viremic infections account for 350,000 deaths annually. As the knowledge about HCV evolves, new anti-viral treatments have been developed. The primary goal of antiviral therapies has been to eradicate HCV virus from serum and achieve sustained virologic response (SVR). Historically, interferon has been a staple of nearly all HCV treatment regimens, despite significant toxic effects. AREAS COVERED In recent years, HCV treatment has changed rapidly and significantly. All-oral treatment regimens show promise for treatment with shorter duration and more manageable side effects. New antivirals aimed at improving SVR may provide a cure to nearly all HCV-infected patients. The unique combination of ABT-450 (paritaprevir) and ABT-267 (ombitasvir) provides highly effective treatment for patients with genotype 1 HCV. This review will examine the antiviral properties, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and side effects of these agents. EXPERT OPINION The combination of ABT-450/r and ABT-267 has improved potency, favorable side effect profile, and low risk of resistance compared to the first-generation protease inhibitors. This combination is likely to be a major part of novel upcoming HCV treatment regimens and is likely to be widely used by clinicians. Additional data is awaited in additional patient populations, and with possible shorter treatment durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Arezou Minaei
- University of Washington School of Medicine , 1959 N.E. Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195 , USA
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The yin and yang of hepatitis C: synthesis and decay of hepatitis C virus RNA. Nat Rev Microbiol 2015; 13:544-58. [PMID: 26256788 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an unusual RNA virus that has a striking capacity to persist for the remaining life of the host in the majority of infected individuals. In order to persist, HCV must balance viral RNA synthesis and decay in infected cells. In this Review, we focus on interactions between the positive-sense RNA genome of HCV and the host RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs, and describe how these interactions influence the competing processes of viral RNA synthesis and decay to achieve stable, long-term persistence of the viral genome. Furthermore, we discuss how these processes affect hepatitis C pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies against HCV.
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Esser‐Nobis K, Harak C, Schult P, Kusov Y, Lohmann V. Novel perspectives for hepatitis A virus therapy revealed by comparative analysis of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis A virus RNA replication. Hepatology 2015; 62:397-408. [PMID: 25866017 PMCID: PMC7165973 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are two positive-strand RNA viruses sharing a similar biology, but causing opposing infection outcomes, with HAV always being cleared and HCV establishing persistence in the majority of infections. To gain deeper insight into determinants of replication, persistence, and treatment, we established a homogenous cell-culture model allowing a thorough comparison of RNA replication of both viruses. By screening different human liver-derived cell lines with subgenomic reporter replicons of HAV as well as of different HCV genotypes, we found that Huh7-Lunet cells supported HAV- and HCV-RNA replication with similar efficiency and limited interference between both replicases. HAV and HCV replicons were similarly sensitive to interferon (IFN), but differed in their ability to establish persistent replication in cell culture. In contrast to HCV, HAV replicated independently from microRNA-122 and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα and β (PI4KIII). Both viruses were efficiently inhibited by cyclosporin A and NIM811, a nonimmunosuppressive analog thereof, suggesting an overlapping dependency on cyclophilins for replication. However, analysis of a broader set of inhibitors revealed that, in contrast to HCV, HAV does not depend on cyclophilin A, but rather on adenosine-triphosphate-binding cassette transporters and FK506-binding proteins. Finally, silibinin, but not its modified intravenous formulation, efficiently inhibited HAV genome replication in vitro, suggesting oral silibinin as a potential therapeutic option for HAV infections. CONCLUSION We established a cell-culture model enabling comparative studies on RNA replication of HAV and HCV in a homogenous cellular background with comparable replication efficiency. We thereby identified new host cell targets and potential treatment options for HAV and set the ground for future studies to unravel determinants of clearance and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Esser‐Nobis
- Department of Infectious DiseasesMolecular Virology, University of HeidelbergGermany
| | - Christian Harak
- Department of Infectious DiseasesMolecular Virology, University of HeidelbergGermany
| | - Philipp Schult
- Department of Infectious DiseasesMolecular Virology, University of HeidelbergGermany
| | - Yuri Kusov
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of LübeckGermany
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious DiseasesMolecular Virology, University of HeidelbergGermany
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Dujardin M, Madan V, Montserret R, Ahuja P, Huvent I, Launay H, Leroy A, Bartenschlager R, Penin F, Lippens G, Hanoulle X. A Proline-Tryptophan Turn in the Intrinsically Disordered Domain 2 of NS5A Protein Is Essential for Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:19104-20. [PMID: 26085105 PMCID: PMC4521034 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.644419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) and its interaction with the human chaperone cyclophilin A are both targets for highly potent and promising antiviral drugs that are in the late stages of clinical development. Despite its high interest in regards to the development of drugs to counteract the worldwide HCV burden, NS5A is still an enigmatic multifunctional protein poorly characterized at the molecular level. NS5A is required for HCV RNA replication and is involved in viral particle formation and regulation of host pathways. Thus far, no enzymatic activity or precise molecular function has been ascribed to NS5A that is composed of a highly structured domain 1 (D1), as well as two intrinsically disordered domains 2 (D2) and 3 (D3), representing half of the protein. Here, we identify a short structural motif in the disordered NS5A-D2 and report its NMR structure. We show that this structural motif, a minimal Pro(314)-Trp(316) turn, is essential for HCV RNA replication, and its disruption alters the subcellular distribution of NS5A. We demonstrate that this Pro-Trp turn is required for proper interaction with the host cyclophilin A and influences its peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity on residue Pro(314) of NS5A-D2. This work provides a molecular basis for further understanding of the function of the intrinsically disordered domain 2 of HCV NS5A protein. In addition, our work highlights how very small structural motifs present in intrinsically disordered proteins can exert a specific function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Dujardin
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Vanesa Madan
- the Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - Roland Montserret
- CNRS, Bases Moléculaires et Structurales des Systèmes Infectieux, IBCP, LabEx Ecofect, UMR 5086 and Université Lyon 1, F-69367, Lyon, France
| | - Puneet Ahuja
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Isabelle Huvent
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Helene Launay
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Arnaud Leroy
- the EA4529 and InstruL2, UFR de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, F-92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- the Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - François Penin
- CNRS, Bases Moléculaires et Structurales des Systèmes Infectieux, IBCP, LabEx Ecofect, UMR 5086 and Université Lyon 1, F-69367, Lyon, France
| | - Guy Lippens
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Xavier Hanoulle
- From the CNRS, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR 8576, Université Lille1, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France,
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Buti M, Flisiak R, Kao JH, Chuang WL, Streinu-Cercel A, Tabak F, Calistru P, Goeser T, Rasenack J, Horban A, Davis GL, Alberti A, Mazzella G, Pol S, Orsenigo R, Brass C. Alisporivir with peginterferon/ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection who failed to respond to or relapsed after prior interferon-based therapy: FUNDAMENTAL, a Phase II trial. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:596-606. [PMID: 25412795 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Alisporivir (ALV) is an oral, investigational host-targeting agent, with pangenotypic activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II study explored the efficacy and safety of ALV with peginterferon-α2a/ribavirin (PR) in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection in whom prior PR had failed (43% relapsers, 34% null responders and 23% partial responders). Four-hundred-and-fifty-nine patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to ALV 600 mg once daily (QD), ALV 800 mg QD, ALV 400 twice daily (BID) or placebo plus PR for 48 weeks. When the global ALV trial programme was put on clinical hold, all patients in this study had received ≥31 weeks of randomized treatment; patients completed 48 weeks on PR alone. All ALV groups demonstrated superior rates of complete early virologic response (cEVR; primary endpoint) vs PR alone (P ≤ 0.0131), with highest cEVR rate seen with ALV 400 mg BID (74% vs 36% with PR alone; P < 0.0001). Respective SVR12 rates (key secondary endpoint) were 65% vs 26% in prior relapsers, 63% vs 5% in partial responders and 68% vs 3% in null responders. In patients who received >40 weeks of randomized treatment, the SVR12 rate was 89% for ALV 400 mg BID vs 30% for PR alone (P = 0.0053). Rates of viral breakthrough and relapse were lowest with ALV 400 mg BID. One case of pancreatitis (fully recovered) occurred with ALV/PR. Common AEs were headache, fatigue, anaemia, neutropenia and nausea. Hypertension was infrequent, but more common with ALV. ALV merits further investigation in interferon-free regimens in combination with direct-acting antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Buti
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Valle Hebron and Ciberehd del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - J-H Kao
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - W-L Chuang
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - A Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Prof. Dr. Matei Balş', Bucharest, Romania
| | - F Tabak
- Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - P Calistru
- Centrul de Diagnostic si Tratament Dr. Viktor Babeş, Bucharest, Romania
| | - T Goeser
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie Universitätsklinik Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - J Rasenack
- Universitätsklinik Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Horban
- Warsaw Medical University and Hospital of Infectious Disease, Warsaw, Poland
| | - G L Davis
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - A Alberti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G Mazzella
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Bologna Policl, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Pol
- Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | | | - C Brass
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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48
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Cyclophilin and NS5A inhibitors, but not other anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) agents, preclude HCV-mediated formation of double-membrane-vesicle viral factories. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:2496-507. [PMID: 25666154 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04958-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms of action (MoA) of nonstructural protein 3 inhibitors (NS3i) and NS5B inhibitors (NS5Bi) are well understood, the MoA of cyclophilin inhibitors (CypI) and NS5A inhibitors (NS5Ai) are not fully defined. In this study, we examined whether CypI and NS5Ai interfere with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA synthesis of replication complexes (RCs) or with an earlier step of HCV RNA replication, the creation of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) essential for HCV RNA replication. In contrast to NS5Bi, both CypI and NS5Ai do not block HCV RNA synthesis by way of RCs, suggesting that they exert their antiviral activity prior to the establishment of enzymatically active RCs. We found that viral replication is not a precondition for DMV formation, since the NS3-NS5B polyprotein or NS5A suffices to create DMVs. Importantly, only CypI and NS5Ai, but not NS5Bi, mir-122, or phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase IIIα (PI4KIIIα) inhibitors, prevent NS3-NS5B-mediated DMV formation. NS3-NS5B was unable to create DMVs in cyclophilin A (CypA) knockdown (KD) cells. We also found that the isomerase activity of CypA is absolutely required for DMV formation. This not only suggests that NS5A and CypA act in concert to build membranous viral factories but that CypI and NS5Ai mediate their early anti-HCV effects by preventing the formation of organelles, where HCV replication is normally initiated. This is the first investigation to examine the effect of a large panel of anti-HCV agents on DMV formation, and the results reveal that CypI and NS5Ai act at the same membranous web biogenesis step of HCV RNA replication, thus indicating a new therapeutic target of chronic hepatitis C.
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Phillips S, Chokshi S, Chatterji U, Riva A, Bobardt M, Williams R, Gallay P, Naoumov NV. Alisporivir inhibition of hepatocyte cyclophilins reduces HBV replication and hepatitis B surface antigen production. Gastroenterology 2015; 148:403-14.e7. [PMID: 25305505 PMCID: PMC7172380 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cyclophilins are host factors required for hepatitis C virus replication. Cyclophilin inhibitors such as alisporivir have shown strong anti-hepatitis C virus activity in vitro and in clinical studies. However, little is known about whether hepatocyte cyclophilins are involved in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle. We investigated the effects of 2 cyclophilin inhibitors (alisporivir and NIM811) on HBV replication and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) production in cell lines. METHODS Liver-derived cell lines producing full-length HBV and HBsAg particles, owing to stable (HepG2215) or transient (HuH-7) transfection, or infected with HBV (HepaRG cells; Invitrogen [Carlsbad, CA]), were incubated with alisporivir or NIM811 alone, or alisporivir in combination with a direct antiviral (telbivudine). The roles of individual cyclophilins in drug response was evaluated by small interfering RNA knockdown of cyclophilin (CYP)A, CYPC, or CYPD in HepG2215 cells, or CYPA knockdown in HuH-7 cells. The kinetics of antiviral activity were assessed based on levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg and Southern blot analysis. RESULTS In HepG2215, HuH-7, and HepaRG cells, alisporivir reduced intracellular and secreted HBV DNA, in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of CYPA, CYPC, or CYPD (reduced by 80%) significantly reduced levels of HBV DNA and secreted HBsAg. Knockdown of CYPA significantly reduced secretion of HBsAg, leading to accumulation of intracellular HBsAg; the addition of alisporivir greatly reduced levels of HBsAg in these cells. The combination of alisporivir and telbivudine had greater antiviral effects than those of telbivudine or alisporivir alone. CONCLUSIONS Alisporivir inhibition of cyclophilins in hepatocyte cell lines reduces replication of HBV DNA and HBsAg production and secretion. These effects are potentiated in combination with direct antiviral agents that target HBV-DNA polymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Phillips
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Udayan Chatterji
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Antonio Riva
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Roger Williams
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Gallay
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Nikolai V. Naoumov
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland,Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Nikolai V. Naoumov, MD, PhD, Novartis Pharma AG, Fabrikstrasse 6, WSJ157.4, CH-Basel 4002, Switzerland. fax: (41) 61-324 9439
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50
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Yang SS, Kao JH. Asunaprevir-containing regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 9:9-20. [PMID: 25174254 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2014.953930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a tremendous health burden worldwide with an annual mortality of 300,000 people due to decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. A combination of interferon (IFN), ribavirin (RBV), and/or direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can eradicate HCV in a various proportion of infected patients. Unfortunately, IFN-based therapy is associated with significant adverse effects, contraindications, and limited tolerability, leading to lower adherence or even treatment discontinuation. With the rapid evolution of newer DAAs or host-targeting agents, emerging HCV therapy is moving towards an IFN- and RBV-free strategy. To this end, a recently developed NS3 protease inhibitor, asunaprevir (ASV), in combination with other DAAs as IFN/RBV-containing or -free regimen, has shown promising results with fewer adverse effects. In this review, preclinical profiles and clinical proof-of-concept studies of ASV, including viral resistance, host polymorphism, and role of ASV in future HCV therapy are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Shun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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