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Raj R, Shen P, Yu B, Zhang J. A patent review on HMGB1 inhibitors for the treatment of liver diseases. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:127-140. [PMID: 38557201 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2338105] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HMGB1 is a non-histone chromatin protein released or secreted in response to tissue damage or infection. Extracellular HMGB1, as a crucial immunomodulatory factor, binds with several different receptors to innate inflammatory responses that aggravate acute and chronic liver diseases. The increased levels of HMGB1 have been reported in various liver diseases, highlighting that it represents a potential biomarker and druggable target for therapeutic development. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structure, function, and interacting receptors of HMGB1 and its significance in multiple liver diseases. The latest patented and preclinical studies of HMGB1 inhibitors (antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) for liver diseases are summarized by using the keywords 'HMGB1,' 'HMGB1 antagonist, HMGB1-inhibitor,' 'liver disease' in Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and PubMed databases in the year from 2017 to 2023. EXPERT OPINIONS In recent years, extensive research on HMGB1-dependent inflammatory signaling has discovered potent inhibitors of HMGB1 to reduce the severity of liver injury. Despite significant progress in the development of HMGB1 antagonists, few of them are approved for clinical treatment of liver-related diseases. Developing safe and effective specific inhibitors for different HMGB1 isoforms and their interaction with receptors is the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Raj
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Shen
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Boyang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Chen S, Tang W, Yu G, Tang Z, Liu E. CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis is Involved in the Recruitment of NK Cells by HMGB1 Contributing to Persistent Airway Inflammation and AHR During the Late Stage of RSV Infection. J Microbiol 2023; 61:461-469. [PMID: 36781697 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00018-8] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed that both high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and natural killer (NK) cells contribute to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced persistent airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Meanwhile, Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor (chemokine receptor 4, CXCR4) play important roles in recruitment of immune cells. CXCL12 has been reported to form a complex with HMGB1 that binds to CXCR4 and increases inflammatory cell migration. The relationship between HMGB1, NK cells and chemokines in RSV-infected model remains unclear. An anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody and inhibitor of CXCR4 (AMD3100) was administered to observe changes of NK cells and airway disorders in nude mice and BALB/c mice. Results showed that the mRNA expression and protein levels of HMGB1 were elevated in late stage of RSV infection and persistent airway inflammation and AHR were diminished after administration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies, with an associated significant decrease in CXCR4+ NK cells. In addition, CXCL12 and CXCR4 were reduced after HMGB1 blockade. Treatment with AMD3100 significantly suppressed the recruitment of NK cells and alleviated the airway disorders. Thus, CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is involved in the recruitment of NK cells by HMGB1, contributing to persistent airway inflammation and AHR during the late stage of RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Chen
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Tang
- Respiratory Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610073, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyuan Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhen Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital Medical University (the First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, 563000, People's Republic of China
| | - Enmei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
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De Leo F, Rossi A, De Marchis F, Cigana C, Melessike M, Quilici G, De Fino I, Mantonico MV, Fabris C, Bragonzi A, Bianchi ME, Musco G. Pamoic acid is an inhibitor of HMGB1·CXCL12 elicited chemotaxis and reduces inflammation in murine models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Mol Med 2022; 28:108. [PMID: 36071400 PMCID: PMC9449960 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is an ubiquitous nuclear protein that once released in the extracellular space acts as a Damage Associated Molecular Pattern and promotes inflammation. HMGB1 is significantly elevated during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and has a clinical relevance in respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Salicylates are HMGB1 inhibitors. To address pharmacological inhibition of HMGB1 with small molecules, we explored the therapeutic potential of pamoic acid (PAM), a salicylate with limited ability to cross epithelial barriers. METHODS PAM binding to HMGB1 and CXCL12 was tested by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy using chemical shift perturbation methods, and inhibition of HMGB1·CXCL12-dependent chemotaxis was investigated by cell migration experiments. Aerosol delivery of PAM, with single or repeated administrations, was tested in murine models of acute and chronic P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection in C57Bl/6NCrlBR mice. PAM efficacy was evaluated by read-outs including weight loss, bacterial load and inflammatory response in lung and bronco-alveolar lavage fluid. RESULTS Our data and three-dimensional models show that PAM is a direct ligand of both HMGB1 and CXCL12. We also showed that PAM is able to interfere with heterocomplex formation and the related chemotaxis in vitro. Importantly, PAM treatment by aerosol was effective in reducing acute and chronic airway murine inflammation and damage induced by P. aeruginosa. The results indicated that PAM reduces leukocyte recruitment in the airways, in particular neutrophils, suggesting an impaired in vivo chemotaxis. This was associated with decreased myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase levels. Modestly increased bacterial burdens were recorded with single administration of PAM in acute infection; however, repeated administration in chronic infection did not affect bacterial burdens, indicating that the interference of PAM with the immune system has a limited risk of pulmonary exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS This work established the efficacy of treating inflammation in chronic respiratory diseases, including bacterial infections, by topical delivery in the lung of PAM, an inhibitor of HMGB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica De Leo
- Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Rossi
- Infection and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Cigana
- Infection and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Medede Melessike
- Infection and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Quilici
- Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ida De Fino
- Infection and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Malisa Vittoria Mantonico
- Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Chantal Fabris
- Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bragonzi
- Infection and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Emilio Bianchi
- School of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy. .,Chromatin Dynamics Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Musco
- Biomolecular NMR Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Sgrignani J, Cecchinato V, Fassi EMA, D'Agostino G, Garofalo M, Danelon G, Pedotti M, Simonelli L, Varani L, Grazioso G, Uguccioni M, Cavalli A. Systematic Development of Peptide Inhibitors Targeting the CXCL12/HMGB1 Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13439-13450. [PMID: 34510899 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During inflammatory reactions, the production and release of chemotactic factors guide the recruitment of selective leukocyte subpopulations. The alarmin HMGB1 and the chemokine CXCL12, both released in the microenvironment, can form a heterocomplex, which exclusively acts on the chemokine receptor CXCR4, enhancing cell migration, and in some pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis exacerbates the immune response. An excessive cell influx at the inflammatory site can be diminished by disrupting the heterocomplex. Here, we report the computationally driven identification of the first peptide (HBP08) binding HMGB1 and selectively inhibiting the activity of the CXCL12/HMGB1 heterocomplex. Furthermore, HBP08 binds HMGB1 with the highest affinity reported so far (Kd of 0.8 ± 0.4 μM). The identification of this peptide represents an important step toward the development of innovative pharmacological tools for the treatment of severe chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by an uncontrolled immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sgrignani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Cecchinato
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Enrico M A Fassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Agostino
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maura Garofalo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Danelon
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Pedotti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Simonelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Varani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Uguccioni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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