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Trischitta P, Tamburello MP, Venuti A, Pennisi R. Pseudovirus-Based Systems for Screening Natural Antiviral Agents: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5188. [PMID: 38791226 PMCID: PMC11121416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105188] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers have been working tirelessly to discover effective ways to combat coronavirus infection. The use of computational drug repurposing methods and molecular docking has been instrumental in identifying compounds that have the potential to disrupt the binding between the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 (hACE2). Moreover, the pseudovirus approach has emerged as a robust technique for investigating the mechanism of virus attachment to cellular receptors and for screening targeted small molecule drugs. Pseudoviruses are viral particles containing envelope proteins, which mediate the virus's entry with the same efficiency as that of live viruses but lacking pathogenic genes. Therefore, they represent a safe alternative to screen potential drugs inhibiting viral entry, especially for highly pathogenic enveloped viruses. In this review, we have compiled a list of antiviral plant extracts and natural products that have been extensively studied against enveloped emerging and re-emerging viruses by pseudovirus technology. The review is organized into three parts: (1) construction of pseudoviruses based on different packaging systems and applications; (2) knowledge of emerging and re-emerging viruses; (3) natural products active against pseudovirus-mediated entry. One of the most crucial stages in the life cycle of a virus is its penetration into host cells. Therefore, the discovery of viral entry inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic option in fighting against emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Trischitta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.P.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Tamburello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.P.T.)
| | - Assunta Venuti
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, 69366 Lyon, CEDEX 07, France;
| | - Rosamaria Pennisi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.P.T.)
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Perna A, Hay E, Sellitto C, Del Genio E, De Falco M, Guerra G, De Luca A, De Blasiis P, Lucariello A. Antiinflammatory Activities of Curcumin and Spirulina: Focus on Their Role against COVID-19. J Diet Suppl 2023; 20:372-389. [PMID: 36729019 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2173354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Nutraceuticals have for several years aroused the interest of researchers for their countless properties, including the management of viral infections. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and research on the antiviral properties of nutraceuticals have greatly increased. More specifically, over the past two years, researchers have focused on analyzing the possible role of nutraceuticals in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19. Among nutraceuticals, turmeric, extracted from the rhizome of the Curcuma Longa plant, and spirulina, commercial name of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis, have assumed considerable importance in recent years. The purpose of this review is to collect, through a search of the most recent articles on Pubmed, the scientific evidence on the role of these two compounds in the fight against COVID-19. In the last two years many hypotheses, some confirmed by clinical and experimental studies, have been made on the possible use of turmeric against COVID-19, while on spirulina and its possible role against SARS-CoV-2 infection information is much less. The demonstrated antiviral properties of spirulina and the fact that these cyanobacteria may modulate or modify some mechanisms also involved in the onset of COVID-19, lead us to think that it may have the same importance as curcumin in fighting this disease and to speculate on the possible combined use of these two substances to obtain a synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Perna
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Eleonora Hay
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Sellitto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Emiliano Del Genio
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria De Falco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ''Federico II'', Naples, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), Portici, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo De Blasiis
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Lucariello
- Department of Sport Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
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Moura MAFE, Martins BDA, Oliveira GPD, Takahashi JA. Alternative protein sources of plant, algal, fungal and insect origins for dietary diversification in search of nutrition and health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:10691-10708. [PMID: 35698908 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2085657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This review aimed to compare alternative protein sources in terms of nutritional composition and health benefits with the purpose of disseminating up-to-date knowledge and contribute for diversification of the food marked and consumers decision-making. Plant-based is the most well-established category of alternative proteins, but there is still room for diversification. Less conventional species such as chia seeds are prominent sources of ω-3 (∼60% total lipids), while hempseed and quinoa are notable sources of ω-6 (up to 58% and 61%, respectively). Edible insects and microalgae are alternative foods rich in protein (up to 70%), fibers (∼30%), as well as peptides and polysaccharides with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Additionally, lipid contents in insect larvae can be as high as 50%, on a dry weight basis, containing fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. In contrast, edible fungi have low lipid contents (∼2%), but are rich in carbohydrates (up to 79%) and have balanced amino acid profiles. The results suggest that food formulations combining different alternative protein sources can meet dietary requirements. Further studies on flavoring and texturing processes will help to create meat and dairy analogs, thus helping to broaden acceptance and applicability of alternative protein sources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna de Almeida Martins
- Department of Chemistry, Exact Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Geane P de Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, Exact Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline A Takahashi
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Exact Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Kicker E, Tittel G, Schaller T, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Zatloukal K, Bauer R. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity of polyphenols in a special green tea extract preparation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153970. [PMID: 35144138 PMCID: PMC8801126 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to threaten our health care systems in the next years. In addition to vaccination there is a need for effective tools for prevention and treatment. Products from natural sources, like standardized plant extracts offer a wide range of antiviral effects and possible applications. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate, whether a sorbitol/lecithin-based throat spray containing concentrated green tea extract (sGTE) interacts with SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and additionally is capable to block the virus replication. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The antiviral effect was studied in a VeroE6 cell culture model, including concentration/effect correlations and the biological mechanism of virus blockade, using the Wuhan type of SARS CoV-2 as well as its beta- and delta-mutations. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative tannin profile present on the oral mucosa after spray application has been investigated by LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and related catechin derivatives. RESULTS The findings of this study demonstrate, that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 resulting in an up to 6,3E+04-fold reduction of infectivity independent from the strain. The type of interaction of sGTE with surface proteins seems to be direct and non-specific concerning the viral surface protein structures and resembles the general non-specific activity of polyphenols. By HPLC-DAD analysis, eight catechins were identified in sGTE, with EGCG and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate as the most abundant ones. The total content of catechin derivatives, calculated as catechin, was 76 g/100 g. LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of throat swabs after application of a sGTE spray have shown that the concentrations of green tea tannins in the pharyngeal mucosa are higher than the effective dose found in the in vitro studies with SARS-CoV-2, even 1 h after the last application. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 independent from the strain (Wuhan strain, beta- or delta-variants). sGTE might be relevant for reduction of corresponding viral infections when periodically applied to mouth and throat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kicker
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerolf Tittel
- Phytovisions GmbH & Co. KG, Karwendelstrasse 29, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Tanja Schaller
- Dronania pharmaceuticals GmbH, Karl- Benz- Strasse 3, 86825 Bad Woerishofen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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The Oxygen Paradigm—Quantitative Impact of High Concentrations of Dissolved Oxygen on Kinetics and Large-Scale Production of Arthrospira platensis. CHEMENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemengineering6010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cultivation of Arthrospira platensis in tubular photobioreactors (tPBRs) presents a promising approach for the commercial production of nutraceuticals and food products as it can achieve high productivity and effective process control. In closed photobioreactors, however, high amounts of photosynthetically produced oxygen can accumulate. So far, there has been a wide range of discussion on how dissolved oxygen concentrations (DOCs) affect bioprocess kinetics, and the subject has mainly been assessed empirically. In this study, we used photorespirometry to quantify the impact of DOCs on the growth kinetics and phycocyanin content of the widely cultivated cyanobacterium A. platensis. The photorespirometric routine revealed that the illumination intensity and cell dry weight concentration are important interconnected process parameters behind the impact that DOCs have on the bioprocess kinetics. Unfavorable process conditions such as low biomass concentrations or high illumination intensities yielded significant growth inhibition and reduced the phycocyanin content of A. platensis by up to 35%. In order to predict the biomass productivity of the large-scale cultivation of A. platensis in tPBRs, a simple process model was extended to include photoautotrophic oxygen production and accumulation in the tPBR to evaluate the performance of two configurations of a 5000 L tPBR.
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Xiang Q, Li L, Wu J, Tian M, Fu Y. Application of pseudovirus system in the development of vaccine, antiviral-drugs, and neutralizing antibodies. Microbiol Res 2022; 258:126993. [PMID: 35240544 PMCID: PMC8848573 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.126993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoviruses are viral particles coated with a heterologous envelope protein, which mediates the entry of pseudoviruses as efficiently as that of the live viruses possessing high pathogenicity and infectivity. Due to the deletion of the envelope protein gene and the absence of pathogenic genes, pseudoviruses have no autonomous replication ability and can infect host cells for only a single cycle. In addition, pseudoviruses have the desired characteristics of high safety, strong operability, and can be easily used to perform rapid throughput detection. Therefore, pseudoviruses are widely employed in the mechanistic investigation of viral infection, the screening and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, and the detection of neutralizing antibody titers in serum after vaccination. In this review, we will discuss the construction of pseudoviruses based on different packaging systems, their current applications especially in the research of SARS-CoV-2, limitations, and further directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xiang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linhao Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Fu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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