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Fath MK, Khalili S, Boojar MMA, Hashemi ZS, Zarei M. Clodronic Acid has Strong Inhibitory Interactions with the Urease Enzyme of Helicobacter pylori: Computer-aided Design and in vitro Confirmation. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:1100-1112. [PMID: 37957909 DOI: 10.2174/0115734099271837231026064439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection could lead to various gastrointestinal diseases. Urease is the most important virulence factor of HP. It protects the bacterium against gastric acid. OBJECTIVE Therefore, we aimed to design urease inhibitors as drugs against HP infection. METHODS The DrugBank-approved library was assigned with 3D conformations and the structure of the urease was prepared. Using a re-docking strategy, the proper settings were determined for docking by PyRx and GOLD software. Virtual screening was performed to select the best inhibitory drugs based on binding affinity, FitnessScore, and binding orientation to critical amino acids of the active site. The best inhibitory drug was then evaluated by IC50 and the diameter of the zone of inhibition for bacterial growth. RESULTS The structures of prepared drugs were screened against urease structure using the determined settings. Clodronic acid was determined to be the best-identified drug, due to higher PyRx binding energy, better GOLD FitnessScore, and interaction with critical amino acids of urease. In vitro results were also in line with the computational data. IC50 values of Clodronic acid and Acetohydroxamic Acid (AHA) were 29.78 ± 1.13 and 47.29 ± 2.06 μg/ml, respectively. Diameters of the zones of inhibition were 18 and 15 mm for Clodronic acid and AHA, respectively. CONCLUSION Clodronic acid has better HP urease inhibition potential than AHA. Given its approved status, the development of a repurposed drug based on Clodronic acid would require less time and cost. Further, in vivo studies would unveil the efficacy of Clodronic acid as a urease inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Zarei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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2
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Farzaneh F, Mirzaie S, Dehnavi E, Aghaeepoor M, Farzaneh S, Pourzardosht N, Khalili S. Response Surface Methodology to Optimize the Expression Efficiency of Recombinant Reteplase. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 21:e3288. [PMID: 37228628 PMCID: PMC10203180 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2023.330285.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Over expression of Reteplase enzyme has already been studies in the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, the role different factors in its expresssin rate remained to be elucidated. Objectives Optical cell density (OD), IPTG concentration, and expression time are highly effective in the protein expression rates. Therefore, we aimed to determine the optimum levels of these factors for reteplase expression using response surface methodology (RSM). Materials and Methods The pET21b plasmid was used to sub-clone the designed reteplase gene. Then, the gene was transformed into E. coli BL21 strain. Induction of expression was done by IPTG and analyzed by the SDS page. experiments were designed using the RMS, while the effects of different conditions were evaluated using the Real time-PCR. Results Sequence optimization removed all undesirable sequences of the designed gene. Transformation into E. coli BL21 was confirmed with an 1152 bp band on the agarose gel. A 39 kDa expression band on the SDS gel confirmed the gene expression. Performing 20 RSM-designed experiments, the optimum levels for IPTG concentration and OD were determined as 0.34mM and 5.6, respectively. Moreover, the optimum level of expression time was demonstrated to be 11.91 hours. The accuracy of the regression model for reteplase overexpression was confirmed by an F-value equal to 25.31 and a meager probability value [(Prob > F) < 0.0001]. The real-time-PCR results indicated that the performed calculations were highly accurate. Conclusion The obtained results indicate that IPTG concentration, OD, and expression time are significantly involved in the augmentation of recombinant reteplase expression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the combined effect of these factors on reteplase expression. Further RSM-based experiments would bring about new insights regarding the best conditions for reteplase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Farzaneh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sako Mirzaie
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ehsan Dehnavi
- Gene Transfer Pioneers (GTP) Research Group, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Aghaeepoor
- Gene Transfer Pioneers (GTP) Research Group, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Farzaneh
- Pharmaceutical Science Research Centre, Tehran medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Rahbar MR, Mubarak SMH, Hessami A, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Khalili S, Zanoos KA, Jahangiri A. A unique antigen against SARS-CoV-2, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10852. [PMID: 35760825 PMCID: PMC9237110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has increased hospital admissions, which could elevate the risk of nosocomial infections, such as A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections. Although effective vaccines have been developed against SARS-CoV-2, no approved treatment option is still available against antimicrobial-resistant strains of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. In the current study, an all-in-one antigen was designed based on an innovative, state-of-the-art strategy. In this regard, experimentally validated linear epitopes of spike protein (SARS-CoV-2), OmpA (A. baumannii), and OprF (P. aeruginosa) were selected to be harbored by mature OmpA as a scaffold. The selected epitopes were used to replace the loops and turns of the barrel domain in OmpA; OprF311–341 replaced the most similar sequence within the OmpA, and three validated epitopes of OmpA were retained intact. The obtained antigen encompasses five antigenic peptides of spike protein, which are involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. One of these epitopes, viz. QTQTNSPRRARSV could trigger antibodies preventing super-antigenic characteristics of spike and alleviating probable autoimmune responses. The designed antigen could raise antibodies neutralizing emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 since at least two epitopes are consensus. In conclusion, the designed antigen is expected to raise protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shaden M H Mubarak
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Anahita Hessami
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Ahmadi Zanoos
- Young Researchers Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Vanak Sq. Molasadra St., P.O. Box 1435915371, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Ofatumumab and Granzyme B as immunotoxin against CD20 antigen. In Silico Pharmacol 2022; 10:6. [PMID: 35369404 PMCID: PMC8933591 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-022-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-CD20 antibodies such as ofatumumab has demonstrated efficacy in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, are among the most successful therapies to date. In this study, we have designed an immunotoxin composed of Granzyme B and the high affinity variant of Ofatumumab. Different simulation software applied to explore the structure of Granzyme B, a serine protease in cytotoxic lymphocytes granules as an apoptosis mediator was attached to its specific antibody structure (Ofatumumab) via an adaptor sequence. The accuracy, energy minimization and characterization of biological properties of the final structure were evaluated. Our computational outcomes indicated that the employed method for structure prediction has been successfully managed to design the immunotoxin structure. The precise and accurate design of the immune-therapeutic agents against cancer cells can be confirmed by employment of in-silico approaches. Consequently, based on this approach we could introduce a capable immunotoxin which specifically targeting CD20 in an accurate orientation and initiates cancer cell destruction by its toxin domain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-022-00120-6.
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5
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Hashemi ZS, Zarei M, Mubarak SMH, Hessami A, Mard-Soltani M, Khalesi B, Zakeri A, Rahbar MR, Jahangiri A, Pourzardosht N, Khalili S. Pierce into Structural Changes of Interactions Between Mutated Spike Glycoproteins and ACE2 to Evaluate Its Potential Biological and Therapeutic Consequences. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 28:33. [PMID: 34931119 PMCID: PMC8674523 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The structural consequences of ongoing mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein remains to be fully elucidated. These mutations could change the binding affinity between the virus and its target cell. Moreover, obtaining new mutations would also change the therapeutic efficacy of the designed drug candidates. To evaluate these consequences, 3D structure of a mutant spike protein was predicted and checked for stability, cavity sites, and residue depth. The docking analyses were performed between the 3D model of the mutated spike protein and the ACE2 protein and an engineered therapeutic ACE2 against COVID-19. The obtained results revealed that the N501Y substitution has altered the interaction orientation, augmented the number of interface bonds, and increased the affinity against the ACE2. On the other hand, the P681H mutation contributed to the increased cavity size and relatively higher residue depth. The binding affinity between the engineered therapeutic ACE2 and the mutant spike was significantly higher with a distinguished binding orientation. It could be concluded that the mutant spike protein increased the affinity, preserved the location, changed the orientation, and altered the interface amino acids of its interaction with both the ACE2 and its therapeutic engineered version. The obtained results corroborate the more aggressive nature of mutated SARS-CoV-2 due to their higher binding affinity. Moreover, designed ACe2-baased therapeutics would be still highly effective against covid-19, which could be the result of conserved nature of cellular ACE2. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10989-021-10346-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Zarei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shaden M. H. Mubarak
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Anahita Hessami
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maysam Mard-Soltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Karami Fath M, Jahangiri A, Ganji M, Sefid F, Payandeh Z, Hashemi ZS, Pourzardosht N, Hessami A, Mard-Soltani M, Zakeri A, Rahbar MR, Khalili S. SARS-CoV-2 Proteome Harbors Peptides Which Are Able to Trigger Autoimmunity Responses: Implications for Infection, Vaccination, and Population Coverage. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705772. [PMID: 34447375 PMCID: PMC8383889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) could occur due to infectious diseases and vaccination programs. Since millions of people are expected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccinated against it, autoimmune consequences seem inevitable. Therefore, we have investigated the whole proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 for its ability to trigger ADs. In this regard, the entire proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 was chopped into more than 48000 peptides. The produced peptides were searched against the entire human proteome to find shared peptides with similar experimentally confirmed T-cell and B-cell epitopes. The obtained peptides were checked for their ability to bind to HLA molecules. The possible population coverage was calculated for the most potent peptides. The obtained results indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 and human proteomes share 23 peptides originated from ORF1ab polyprotein, nonstructural protein NS7a, Surface glycoprotein, and Envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2. Among these peptides, 21 peptides had experimentally confirmed equivalent epitopes. Amongst, only nine peptides were predicted to bind to HLAs with known global allele frequency data, and three peptides were able to bind to experimentally confirmed HLAs of equivalent epitopes. Given the HLAs which have already been reported to be associated with ADs, the ESGLKTIL, RYPANSIV, NVAITRAK, and RRARSVAS were determined to be the most harmful peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. It would be expected that the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination against this pathogen could significantly increase the ADs incidences, especially in populations harboring HLA-B*08:01, HLA-A*024:02, HLA-A*11:01 and HLA-B*27:05. The Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania are at higher risk of AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sefid
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Anahita Hessami
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maysam Mard-Soltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Hashemi ZS, Zarei M, Fath MK, Ganji M, Farahani MS, Afsharnouri F, Pourzardosht N, Khalesi B, Jahangiri A, Rahbar MR, Khalili S. In silico Approaches for the Design and Optimization of Interfering Peptides Against Protein-Protein Interactions. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:669431. [PMID: 33996914 PMCID: PMC8113820 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.669431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Large contact surfaces of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) remain to be an ongoing issue in the discovery and design of small molecule modulators. Peptides are intrinsically capable of exploring larger surfaces, stable, and bioavailable, and therefore bear a high therapeutic value in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Given these promising properties, a long way has been covered in the field of targeting PPIs via peptide design strategies. In silico tools have recently become an inevitable approach for the design and optimization of these interfering peptides. Various algorithms have been developed to scrutinize the PPI interfaces. Moreover, different databases and software tools have been created to predict the peptide structures and their interactions with target protein complexes. High-throughput screening of large peptide libraries against PPIs; "hotspot" identification; structure-based and off-structure approaches of peptide design; 3D peptide modeling; peptide optimization strategies like cyclization; and peptide binding energy evaluation are among the capabilities of in silico tools. In the present study, the most recent advances in the field of in silico approaches for the design of interfering peptides against PPIs will be reviewed. The future perspective of the field and its advantages and limitations will also be pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Zarei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboube Shahrabi Farahani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Afsharnouri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Sefid F, Payandeh Z, Azamirad G, Baradaran B, Nabi Afjadi M, Islami M, Darvish M, Kalantar SM, Kahroba H, Ardakani MA. Atezolizumab and granzyme B as immunotoxin against PD-L1 antigen; an insilico study. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:20. [PMID: 33680705 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-021-00076-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CD274 gene encodes programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein, also known as B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1), which is a crucial hallmark for highly proliferation cells including cancer cells. PD-1 and PD-L1 interaction is assumed as a negative regulator for immune response which can inhibit the T cell growth and cytokine secretion and supports tumor cells evasion from immune system. therefore, PD-L1 could be assumed as a candidate target for immune-therapy. The predicted structure of PD-L1 indicates (Gly4Ser) 3 linker-based chains links. In that line, different simulation softwares applied to explore the structure of granzyme B (GrB), a serine protease in cytotoxic lymphocytes granules as an apoptosis mediator, was attached to its specific antibody structure (atezolizumab) via an adaptor sequence. Evaluation of accuracy, energy minimization and characterization of biological properties of the final processed structure were performed and our computational outcomes indicated that the employed method for structure prediction has been successfully managed to design the immunotoxin structure. It is necessary to mention that, the precise and accurate design of the immune-therapeutic agents against cancer cells can be confirmed by employment of in-silico approaches. Consequently, based on this approach we could introduce a capable immunotoxin which specifically targeting PD-L1 in an accurate orientation and initiates cancer cell destruction by its toxin domain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00076-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Sefid
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Biology, Science and Art University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xibei Hospital), 710004 Xi'an, China
| | - Ghasem Azamirad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Islami
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Darvish
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arāk, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran.,Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Reproduction Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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9
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Payandeh Z, Rahbar MR, Jahangiri A, Hashemi ZS, Zakeri A, Jafarisani M, Rasaee MJ, Khalili S. Design of an engineered ACE2 as a novel therapeutics against COVID-19. J Theor Biol 2020; 505:110425. [PMID: 32735992 PMCID: PMC7387268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) plays a pivotal role in virus entry into the host cells. Since recombinant ACE2 protein has been suggested as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agent, this study was conducted to design an ACE2 protein with more desirable properties. In this regard, the amino acids with central roles in enzymatic activity of the ACE2 were substituted. Moreover, saturation mutagenesis at the interaction interface between the ACE2 and RBD was performed to increase their interaction affinity. The best mutations to increase the structural and thermal stability of the ACE2 were also selected based on B factors and mutation effects. The obtained resulted revealed that the Arg273Gln and Thr445Gly mutation have drastically reduced the binding affinity of the angiotensin-II into the active site of ACE2. The Thr27Arg mutation was determined to be the most potent mutation to increase the binding affinity. The Asp427Arg mutation was done to decrease the flexibility of the region with high B factor. The Pro451Met mutation along with the Gly448Trp mutation was predicted to increase the thermodynamic stability and thermostability of the ACE2. The designed therapeutic ACE2 would have no enzymatic activity while it could bear stronger interaction with Spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, decreased in vivo enzymatic degradation would be anticipated due to increased thermostability. This engineered ACE2 could be exploited as a novel therapeutic agent against COVID-19 after necessary evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moslem Jafarisani
- Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Rasaee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Zakeri A, Khoshsorour S, Karami Fath M, Pourzardosht N, Fazeli F, Khalili S. Structural analyses and engineering of the pmHAS enzyme to improve its functional performance: An in silico study. J Carbohydr Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/07328303.2020.1821041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Khoshsorour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Payame Noor University, Branch of Rey, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Faezeh Fazeli
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Borna H, Khalili S, Zakeri A, Mard-Soltani M, Akbarzadeh AR, Khalesi B, Payandeh Z. Proposed Multi-linear Regression Model to Identify Cyclooxygenase-2 Selective Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. J Pharm Innov 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12247-020-09482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Designing an HCV diagnostic kit for common genotypes of the virus in Iran based on conserved regions of core, NS3-protease, NS4A/B, and NS5A/B antigens: an in silico approach. Biologia (Bratisl) 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-020-00566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Ramezani A, Zakeri A, Mard-Soltani M, Mohammadian A, Hashemi ZS, Mohammadpour H, Jahangiri A, Khalili S, Rasaee MJ. Structure Based Screening for Inhibitory Therapeutics of CTLA-4 Unveiled New Insights About Biology of ACTH. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Yasin N, Sugerappa Laxmanappa H, Muddapur UM, Cheruvathur J, Uday Prakash SM, Venkataramaiah Thulasiram H. Design, expression, and evaluation of novel multiepitope chimeric antigen of Wuchereria bancrofti for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis - A structure-based strategy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106431. [PMID: 32222640 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106431] [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: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Global Program for Elimination Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is in an advanced stage and requires tools for diagnosing infection, assessing transmission and certification. This study was aimed at developing an antibody-based assay using a chiemric antigen containing multi-B-cell epitopes from antigens highly expressed in different stages of Wuchereria bancrofti to detect LF infection and its transmission. The antigen was express cloned and two indirect ELISA based (IgG1 & IgG4 based) antibody assays were developed using the recombinant antigen. The chimeric antigen displayed 1 and 3-fold reactivity with IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies, respectively in microfilaraial (mf) positive sera when compared to that in sera samples of Non-endemic normal sera (NEN) (O.D, 0.13 ± 0.20 and 0.18 ± 0.07), thus differentiating infected from uninfected individuals. In IgG1 and IgG4 antibody assays, the multiepitope antigen also showed reactivity (O.D, 0.27 ± 0.18 and 0.16 ± 0.03) in a small proportion (18 and 30, respectively out of 156) endemic normal individuals and in IgG1 antibody in a few (4) chronic patients (CP). The antigen did not react with IgG1 or IgG4 antibodies in the sera samples of malaria, scrub typhus, dengue, hookworm, and roundworm helminth cases (0.139 ± 0.018, 0.144 ± 0.007 0.17804 ± 0.007 and 0.162 ± 0.006), thus showing its high specificity. The sensitivity (%) and specificity (%) of the multi-epitope antigen-based IgG1 and IgG4 antibody assays are 100, 98.1 and 100, 99.52, respectively. Thus, the recombinant multiepitope antigen appears to have good potential in detecting active LF infection and in assessing its transmission in endemic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazeer Yasin
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, Karnataka, India
| | - Hoti Sugerappa Laxmanappa
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, Karnataka, India.
| | - Uday M Muddapur
- Department of Biotechnology, B.V.B College of Engineering and Technology, Hubballi 580031, Karnataka, India
| | - Jennifer Cheruvathur
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Organic Chemistry Division, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - S M Uday Prakash
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut 673601, Kerala, India
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15
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Bahrami AA, Bandehpour M, Kazemi B, Bozorgmehr M, Mosaffa N, Chegeni R. Assessment of a poly-epitope candidate vaccine against Hepatitis B, C, and poliovirus in interaction with monocyte-derived dendritic cells: An ex-vivo study. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:218-227. [PMID: 32113655 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Design and application of epitope-based polyvalent vaccines have recently garnered attention as an efficient alternative for conventional vaccines. We previously have reported the in silico design of HHP antigen which encompasses the immune-dominant epitopes of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C core protein (HCVcp) and Poliovirus viral proteins (VPs). It has been shown that the HHP has desirable conformation to expose the epitopes, high antigenicity and other desired physicochemical and immunological properties. To confirm the accuracy of these predictions, the ex-vivo immunogenicity of the HHP was assessed. The HHP gene was chemically synthesized in pET28a and expressed in E. coli (BL21). The expressed protein was purified and its immunological potency was evaluated on dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). Functional analysis was assessed in co-cultivation of autologous T-cells with matured DCs (mDCs). T-cell activation, proliferation and cytokines secretion were evaluated using flowcytometry and ELISA methods. Our results indicated that the HHP could induce the DC maturation. The mDCs were able to trigger T-cell activation and proliferation. In silico design and ex-vivo confirmation of immunological potential could pave the way to introduce efficient immunogens for further analysis. The ability of HHP in DC maturation and T-cell activation makes it an amenable vaccine candidate for further in-vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armina Alagheband Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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16
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Nosrati M, Behbahani M, Mohabatkar H. Towards the first multi-epitope recombinant vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: A computer-aided vaccine design approach. J Biomed Inform 2019; 93:103160. [PMID: 30928513 PMCID: PMC7106074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2019.103160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is considered one of the major public health concerns with case fatality rates of up to 80%. Currently, there is no effective approved vaccine for CCHF. In this study, we used a computer-aided vaccine design approach to develop the first multi-epitope recombinant vaccine for CCHF. For this purpose, linear B-cell and T-cell binding epitopes from two structural glycoproteins of CCHF virus including Gc and Gn were predicted. The epitopes were further studied regarding their antigenicity, allergenicity, hydrophobicity, stability, toxicity and population coverage. A total number of seven epitopes including five T-cell and two B-cell epitopes were screened for the final vaccine construct. Final vaccine construct composed of 382 amino acid residues which were organized in four domains including linear B-cell, T-cell epitopes and cholera toxin B-subunit (CTxB) along with heat labile enterotoxin IIc B subunit (LT-IIc) as adjuvants. All the segments were joined using appropriate linkers. The physicochemical properties as well as the presence of IFN-γ inducing epitopes in the proposed vaccine, was also checked to determining the vaccine stability, solubility and its ability to induce cell-mediated immune responses. The 3D structure of proposed vaccine was subjected to the prediction of computational B-cell epitopes and molecular docking studies with MHC-I and II molecules. Furthermore, molecular dynamics stimulations were performed to study the vaccine-MHCs complexes stability during stimulation time. The results suggest that our proposed vaccine was stable, well soluble in water and potentially antigenic. Results also demonstrated that the vaccine can induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and could serve as a promising anti-CCHF vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokhtar Nosrati
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mandana Behbahani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hassan Mohabatkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
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Bahrami AA, Bandehpour M, Khalesi B, Kazemi B. Computational Design and Analysis of a Poly-Epitope Fusion Protein: A New Vaccine Candidate for Hepatitis and Poliovirus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Ganji M, Khalili S, Mard-Soltani M, Khalesi B, Karkhah A, Amani J. A Precisely Designed Immunotoxin Against VCAM1 Consisting of a Humanized Antibody Variable Domain Fused to Granzyme: An In Silico Approach. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Bevacizumab Antibody Affinity Maturation to Improve Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapy: In Silico Approach. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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20
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Khalili S, Rasaee MJ, Bamdad T, Mard-Soltani M, Asadi Ghalehni M, Jahangiri A, Pouriayevali MH, Aghasadeghi MR, Malaei F. A Novel Molecular Design for a Hybrid Phage-DNA Construct Against DKK1. Mol Biotechnol 2018; 60:833-842. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-018-0115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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