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Li Q, Lu H, Ruan Y, Geng Y, Zhao Z, Liu Y, Feng L, Guo W. Andrographolide suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by downregulating ACE2 expression: A mechanistic study. Antivir Ther 2024; 29:13596535241259952. [PMID: 38873947 DOI: 10.1177/13596535241259952] [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: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade host cells. Previous studies have reported that reducing ACE2 expression may have an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect. In this study, we constructed a pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 vector with double luciferase genes (firefly and Renilla luciferase) under the control of the ACE2 promoter and used it to screen compounds from Chinese traditional medicinal herbs (CTMHs) that can inhibit ACE2 transcription in human cells. We transfected HEK293T cells with pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 and treated them with CTMH compounds and then measured fluorescence to evaluate the indirect inhibition of ACE2 transcription. Out of 37 compounds tested, andrographolide demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of ACE2 transcription. We further confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays that andrographolide also reduced ACE2 expression in BEAS-2B cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pseudovirus infection assays in BEAS-2B cells demonstrated that andrographolide can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that andrographolide has potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and could be a candidate drug for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
- Department of Pathogenic Organism Biology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Lu
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
| | - Yongdui Ruan
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
| | - Yuxuan Geng
- Department of Pathogenic Organism Biology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zuguo Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, DongGuan SongShan Lake Tung Wah Hospital, DongGuan, China
| | - Long Feng
- Department of Pathogenic Organism Biology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wentao Guo
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China
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Tang SW, Helmeste DM, Leonard BE. COVID-19 as a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases: a review with focus on the brain. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023; 35:248-269. [PMID: 36861428 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
There appear to be huge variations and aberrations in the reported data in COVID-19 2 years now into the pandemic. Conflicting data exist at almost every level and also in the reported epidemiological statistics across different regions. It is becoming clear that COVID-19 is a polymorphic inflammatory spectrum of diseases, and there is a wide range of inflammation-related pathology and symptoms in those infected with the virus. The host's inflammatory response to COVID-19 appears to be determined by genetics, age, immune status, health status and stage of disease. The interplay of these factors may decide the magnitude, duration, types of pathology, symptoms and prognosis in the spectrum of COVID-19 disorders, and whether neuropsychiatric disorders continue to be significant. Early and successful management of inflammation reduces morbidity and mortality in all stages of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Wa Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daiga Maret Helmeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian E Leonard
- Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Hardy E, Sarker H, Fernandez-Patron C. Could a Non-Cellular Molecular Interactome in the Blood Circulation Influence Pathogens' Infectivity? Cells 2023; 12:1699. [PMID: 37443732 PMCID: PMC10341357 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131699] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We advance the notion that much like artificial nanoparticles, relatively more complex biological entities with nanometric dimensions such as pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms) may also acquire a biomolecular corona upon entering the blood circulation of an organism. We view this biomolecular corona as a component of a much broader non-cellular blood interactome that can be highly specific to the organism, akin to components of the innate immune response to an invading pathogen. We review published supporting data and generalize these notions from artificial nanoparticles to viruses and bacteria. Characterization of the non-cellular blood interactome of an organism may help explain apparent differences in the susceptibility to pathogens among individuals. The non-cellular blood interactome is a candidate therapeutic target to treat infectious and non-infectious conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Hardy
- Center of Molecular Immunology, P.O. Box 16040, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Hassan Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Patron
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
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Piplani S, Singh P, Petrovsky N, Winkler DA. Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Drugs Binding to the Spike Fatty Acid Binding Pocket Using In Silico Docking and Molecular Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044192. [PMID: 36835602 PMCID: PMC9966092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs against novel targets are needed to treat COVID-19 patients, especially as SARS-CoV-2 is capable of rapid mutation. Structure-based de novo drug design and repurposing of drugs and natural products is a rational approach to discovering potentially effective therapies. These in silico simulations can quickly identify existing drugs with known safety profiles that can be repurposed for COVID-19 treatment. Here, we employ the newly identified spike protein free fatty acid binding pocket structure to identify repurposing candidates as potential SARS-CoV-2 therapies. Using a validated docking and molecular dynamics protocol effective at identifying repurposing candidates inhibiting other SARS-CoV-2 molecular targets, this study provides novel insights into the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its potential regulation by endogenous hormones and drugs. Some of the predicted repurposing candidates have already been demonstrated experimentally to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity, but most of the candidate drugs have yet to be tested for activity against the virus. We also elucidated a rationale for the effects of steroid and sex hormones and some vitamins on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Piplani
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
| | - Puneet Singh
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - David A. Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Winkler MS, Osuchowski MF, Payen D, Torres A, Dickel S, Skirecki T. Renaissance of glucocorticoids in critical care in the era of COVID-19: ten urging questions. Crit Care 2022; 26:308. [PMID: 36209188 PMCID: PMC9547674 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The 40-year-old experience with glucocorticosteroids (GCs) in the context of severe infections is complex and troublesome. Recently, however, a clear indication for GCs in severe COVID-19 has been established. This may constitute a harbinger of a wider use of GCs in critical illnesses. A fundamental prerequisite of such an action is a better understanding of the heterogeneity of critical illness and GCs operationalization within the precision medicine approach. In this perspective, we formulate ten major questions regarding the use of GCs in critical illness. Answering them will likely facilitate a new era of effective and personalized GCs use in modern critical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Winkler
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcin F. Osuchowski
- grid.420022.60000 0001 0723 5126Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Trauma in Cooperation with the AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Didier Payen
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Paris 7, Cité, Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Antoni Torres
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clinic IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomedica En Red-Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Steffen Dickel
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tomasz Skirecki
- grid.414852.e0000 0001 2205 7719Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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Hardy E, Fernandez-Patron C. Could Endogenous Glucocorticoids Influence SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity? Cells 2022; 11:cells11192955. [PMID: 36230917 PMCID: PMC9562004 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous glucocorticoids and their synthetic analogues, such as dexamethasone, stimulate receptor-mediated signal transduction mechanisms on target cells. Some of these mechanisms result in beneficial outcomes whereas others are deleterious in the settings of pathogen infections and immunological disorders. Here, we review recent studies by several groups, including our group, showing that glucocorticoids can directly interact with protein components on SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. We postulate an antiviral defence mechanism by which endogenous glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection) can bind to multiple sites on SARS-CoV-2 surface protein, Spike, inducing conformational alterations in Spike subunit 1 (S1) that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 interaction with the host SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2. We suggest that glucocorticoids-mediated inhibition of S1 interaction with ACE2 may, consequently, affect SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Further, glucocorticoids interactions with Spike could protect against a broad spectrum of coronaviruses and their variants that utilize Spike for infection of the host. These notions may be useful for the design of new antivirals for coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Hardy
- Center of Molecular Immunology, P.O. Box 16040, Havana 11600, Cuba
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.F.-P.)
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Patron
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.F.-P.)
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