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Hou J, Liu S, Zhang X, Tu G, Wu L, Zhang Y, Yang H, Li X, Liu J, Jiang L, Tan Q, Bai F, Liu Z, Miao C, Hua T, Luo Z. Structural basis of antagonist selectivity in endothelin receptors. Cell Discov 2024; 10:79. [PMID: 39075075 PMCID: PMC11286772 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00705-9] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelins and their receptors, ETA and ETB, play vital roles in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therapeutically targeting endothelin receptors, particularly through ETA antagonists, has shown efficacy in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and other cardiovascular- and renal-related diseases. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of ETA in complex with two PAH drugs, macitentan and ambrisentan, along with zibotentan, a selective ETA antagonist, respectively. Notably, a specialized anti-ETA antibody facilitated the structural elucidation. These structures, together with the active-state structures of ET-1-bound ETA and ETB, and the agonist BQ3020-bound ETB, in complex with Gq, unveil the molecular basis of agonist/antagonist binding modes in endothelin receptors. Key residues that confer antagonist selectivity to endothelin receptors were identified along with the activation mechanism of ETA. Furthermore, our results suggest that ECL2 in ETA can serve as an epitope for antibody-mediated receptor antagonism. Collectively, these insights establish a robust theoretical framework for the rational design of small-molecule drugs and antibodies with selective activity against endothelin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Hou
- Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenhui Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guowei Tu
- Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junlin Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Longquan Jiang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiwen Tan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Bai
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Changhong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhe Luo
- Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Lab of Pulmonary Inflammation and Injury, Shanghai, China.
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Sanges S, Tian W, Dubucquoi S, Chang JL, Collet A, Launay D, Nicolls MR. B-cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension: friend, foe or bystander? Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301949. [PMID: 38485150 PMCID: PMC11043614 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01949-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for new therapeutic strategies that target alternative pathways to improve the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). As immunity has been involved in the development and progression of vascular lesions in PAH, we review the potential contribution of B-cells in its pathogenesis and evaluate the relevance of B-cell-targeted therapies. Circulating B-cell homeostasis is altered in PAH patients, with total B-cell lymphopenia, abnormal subset distribution (expansion of naïve and antibody-secreting cells, reduction of memory B-cells) and chronic activation. B-cells are recruited to the lungs through local chemokine secretion, and activated by several mechanisms: 1) interaction with lung vascular autoantigens through cognate B-cell receptors; 2) costimulatory signals provided by T follicular helper cells (interleukin (IL)-21), type 2 T helper cells and mast cells (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-13); and 3) increased survival signals provided by B-cell activating factor pathways. This activity results in the formation of germinal centres within perivascular tertiary lymphoid organs and in the local production of pathogenic autoantibodies that target the pulmonary vasculature and vascular stabilisation factors (including angiotensin-II/endothelin-1 receptors and bone morphogenetic protein receptors). B-cells also mediate their effects through enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced anti-inflammatory properties by regulatory B-cells, immunoglobulin (Ig)G-induced complement activation, and IgE-induced mast cell activation. Precision-medicine approaches targeting B-cell immunity are a promising direction for select PAH conditions, as suggested by the efficacy of anti-CD20 therapy in experimental models and a trial of rituximab in systemic sclerosis-associated PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sanges
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-59000 Lille, France
- Centre National de Référence Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord, Nord-Ouest, Méditerranée et Guadeloupe (CeRAINOM), F-59000 Lille, France
- Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ReCONNET), F-59000 Lille, France
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-first authorship
| | - Wen Tian
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-first authorship
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d'Immunologie, Pôle de Biologie Pathologie Génétique, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jason L Chang
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aurore Collet
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d'Immunologie, Pôle de Biologie Pathologie Génétique, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-59000 Lille, France
- Centre National de Référence Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord, Nord-Ouest, Méditerranée et Guadeloupe (CeRAINOM), F-59000 Lille, France
- Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ReCONNET), F-59000 Lille, France
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-last authorship
| | - Mark R Nicolls
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-last authorship
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Hye T, Hossain MR, Saha D, Foyez T, Ahsan F. Emerging biologics for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Drug Target 2023; 31:1-15. [PMID: 37026714 PMCID: PMC10228297 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2199351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare pulmonary vascular disorder, wherein mean systemic arterial pressure (mPAP) becomes abnormally high because of aberrant changes in various proliferative and inflammatory signalling pathways of pulmonary arterial cells. Currently used anti-PAH drugs chiefly target the vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive pathways. However, an imbalance between bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPRII) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathways is also implicated in PAH predisposition and pathogenesis. Compared to currently used PAH drugs, various biologics have shown promise as PAH therapeutics that elicit their therapeutic actions akin to endogenous proteins. Biologics that have thus far been explored as PAH therapeutics include monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, engineered cells, and nucleic acids. Because of their similarity with naturally occurring proteins and high binding affinity, biologics are more potent and effective and produce fewer side effects when compared with small molecule drugs. However, biologics also suffer from the limitations of producing immunogenic adverse effects. This review describes various emerging and promising biologics targeting the proliferative/apoptotic and vasodilatory pathways involved in PAH pathogenesis. Here, we have discussed sotatercept, a TGF-β ligand trap, which is reported to reverse vascular remodelling and reduce PVR with an improved 6-minute walk distance (6-MWDT). We also elaborated on other biologics including BMP9 ligand and anti-gremlin1 antibody, anti-OPG antibody, and getagozumab monoclonal antibody and cell-based therapies. Overall, recent literature suggests that biologics hold excellent promise as a safe and effective alternative to currently used PAH therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvirul Hye
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan
| | - Md Riajul Hossain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, California
| | - Tahmina Foyez
- Department of Hematology Blood Research Center School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, California
- MedLuidics LLC, Elk Grove, California, USA
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Jin Q, Chen D, Zhang X, Zhang F, Zhong D, Lin D, Guan L, Pan W, Zhou D, Ge J. Medical Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Current Approaches and Investigational Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1579. [PMID: 37376028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061579] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant pulmonary vascular syndrome characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure, which eventually leads to right heart failure and even death. Although the exact mechanism of PAH is not fully understood, pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, immune and inflammatory responses, and thrombosis are thought to be involved in the development and progression of PAH. In the era of non-targeted agents, PAH had a very dismal prognosis with a median survival time of only 2.8 years. With the deep understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of PAH as well as advances in drug research, PAH-specific therapeutic drugs have developed rapidly in the past 30 years, but they primarily focus on the three classical signaling pathways, namely the endothelin pathway, nitric oxide pathway, and prostacyclin pathway. These drugs dramatically improved pulmonary hemodynamics, cardiac function, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and prognosis in PAH patients, but could only reduce pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular afterload to a limited extent. Current targeted agents delay the progression of PAH but cannot fundamentally reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. Through unremitting efforts, new therapeutic drugs such as sotatercept have emerged, injecting new vitality into this field. This review comprehensively summarizes the general treatments for PAH, including inotropes and vasopressors, diuretics, anticoagulants, general vasodilators, and anemia management. Additionally, this review elaborates the pharmacological properties and recent research progress of twelve specific drugs targeting three classical signaling pathways, as well as dual-, sequential triple-, and initial triple-therapy strategies based on the aforementioned targeted agents. More crucially, the search for novel therapeutic targets for PAH has never stopped, with great progress in recent years, and this review outlines the potential PAH therapeutic agents currently in the exploratory stage to provide new directions for the treatment of PAH and improve the long-term prognosis of PAH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 1508 Longhang Road, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Dongxiang Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Dawei Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lihua Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenzhi Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Daxin Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
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Endothelin and the Cardiovascular System: The Long Journey and Where We Are Going. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050759. [PMID: 35625487 PMCID: PMC9138590 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we describe the basic functions of endothelin and related molecules, including their receptors and enzymes. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of endothelin in several cardiovascular diseases, the relevant clinical evidence for targeting the endothelin pathway, and the scope of endothelin-targeting treatments in the future. We highlight the present uses of endothelin receptor antagonists and the advancements in the development of future treatment options, thereby providing an overview of endothelin research over the years and its future scope. Abstract Endothelin was first discovered more than 30 years ago as a potent vasoconstrictor. In subsequent years, three isoforms, two canonical receptors, and two converting enzymes were identified, and their basic functions were elucidated by numerous preclinical and clinical studies. Over the years, the endothelin system has been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on endothelin and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss how endothelin-targeting therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, have been employed to treat cardiovascular diseases with varying degrees of success. Lastly, we provide a glimpse of what could be in store for endothelin-targeting treatment options for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Sun HJ, Wang ZC, Nie XW, Bian JS. Therapeutic potential of carbon monoxide in hypertension-induced vascular smooth muscle cell damage revisited: from physiology and pharmacology. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115008. [PMID: 35318039 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
As a chronic and progressive disorder, hypertension remains to be a serious public health problem around the world. Among the different types of hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease associated with pulmonary arteriole remodeling, right ventricular failure and death. The contemporary management of systemic hypertension and PAH has substantially grown since more therapeutic targets and/or agents have been developed. Evolving treatment strategies targeting the vascular remodeling lead to improving outcomes in patients with hypertension, nevertheless, significant advancement opportunities for developing better antihypertensive drugs remain. Carbon monoxide (CO), an active endogenous gasotransmitter along with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO), is primarily generated by heme oxygenase (HO). Cumulative evidence suggests that CO is considered as an important signaling molecule under both physiological and pathological conditions. Studies have shown that CO confers a number of biological and pharmacological properties, especially its involvement in the pathological process and treatment of hypertension-related vascular remodeling. This review will critically outline the roles of CO in hypertension-associated vascular remodeling and discuss the underlying mechanisms for the protective effects of CO against hypertension and vascular remodeling. In addition, we will propose the challenges and perspectives of CO in hypertensive vascular remodeling. It is expected that a comprehensive understanding of CO in the vasculature might be essential to translate CO to be a novel pharmacological agent for hypertension-induced vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zi-Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Nie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jin-Song Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
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