1
|
Marschall M, Schütz M, Wild M, Socher E, Wangen C, Dhotre K, Rawlinson WD, Sticht H. Understanding the Cytomegalovirus Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Ortholog pUL97 as a Multifaceted Regulator and an Antiviral Drug Target. Cells 2024; 13:1338. [PMID: 39195228 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpesviral protein kinases, such as the therapy-relevant pUL97 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), are important for viral replication efficiency as well as pathogenesis, and represent key antiviral drug targets. HCMV pUL97 is a viral cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) ortholog, as it shares functional and structural properties with human CDKs. Recently, the formation of vCDK/pUL97-cyclin complexes and the phosphorylation of a variety of viral and cellular substrate proteins has been demonstrated. Genetic mapping and structural modeling approaches helped to define two pUL97 interfaces, IF1 and IF2, responsible for cyclin binding. In particular, the regulatory importance of interactions between vCDK/pUL97 and host cyclins as well as CDKs has been highlighted, both as determinants of virus replication and as a novel drug-targeting option. This aspect was substantiated by the finding that virus replication was impaired upon cyclin type H knock-down, and that such host-directed interference also affected viruses resistant to existing therapies. Beyond the formation of binary interactive complexes, a ternary pUL97-cyclin H-CDK7 complex has also been described, and in light of this, an experimental trans-stimulation of CDK7 activity by pUL97 appeared crucial for virus-host coregulation. In accordance with this understanding, several novel antiviral targeting options have emerged. These include kinase inhibitors directed to pUL97, to host CDKs, and to the pUL97-cyclin H interactive complexes. Importantly, a statistically significant drug synergy has recently been reported for antiviral treatment schemes using combinations of pharmacologically relevant CDK7 and vCDK/pUL97 inhibitors, including maribavir. Combined, such findings provide increased options for anti-HCMV control. This review focuses on regulatory interactions of vCDK/pUL97 with the host cyclin-CDK apparatus, and it addresses the functional relevance of these key effector complexes for viral replication and pathogenesis. On this basis, novel strategies of antiviral drug targeting are defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Schütz
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eileen Socher
- Institute of Anatomy, Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kishore Dhotre
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - William D Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Schools of Biomedical Sciences, Women's and Children's Health, Medicine and Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, High Street, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, FAU, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boonhaijaroen T, Choopong P, Tungsattayathitthan U, Tesavibul N, Sanphan W, Boonsopon S. Treatment outcomes in cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15210. [PMID: 38956212 PMCID: PMC11219762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66224-5] [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: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study investigated patients with cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis (CMV AU) and compared treatment outcomes between regional and systemic antiviral therapies. Treatment modalities included topical (2% ganciclovir [GCV] eye drops or 0.2% GCV eye gel) and systemic (intravenous GCV or oral valganciclovir) groups. The comparison parameters included response rates, time to response, recurrence rates, time to recurrence, and complications. Forty-four patients (54.5% male) with a mean age of 56 ± 9.87 years were enrolled, with 31 eyes in the topical group and 13 eyes in the systemic group. The median response time was significantly slower in the topical group (63 days [IQR 28-112]) compared to the systemic group (28 days [IQR 24-59]) (p = 0.04). Treatment response rates were 87.1% (27/31) in the topical group and 100% (13/13) in the systemic group (p = 0.30), while recurrence rates were 37% (10/27) and 69.2% (9/13) (p = 0.056), with a median time to recurrence of 483 days [IQR 145-1388] and 392 days [IQR 203.5-1907.5] (p = 0.20), respectively. In conclusion, both topical and systemic GCV treatments demonstrated favorable outcomes for CMV AU. Systemic GCV showed rapid control of intraocular inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanut Boonhaijaroen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pitipol Choopong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Usanee Tungsattayathitthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattaporn Tesavibul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wilawan Sanphan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutasinee Boonsopon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Deng R, Yuan G, Ye Y, Luo W, Zhong J, Wang H, Wei X, Luo X, Xiong A. Qualitative evaluation of connective tissue disease with cytomegalovirus infection: A meta-analysis of case reports. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 65:152396. [PMID: 38340610 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152396] [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] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary therapies for connective tissue disease include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. However, their prolonged usage can precipitate opportunistic infections, such as cytomegalovirus infection. When managing connective tissue disease complicated by cytomegalovirus infection, judicious selection of treatment modalities is crucial. This involves assessing the necessity for antiviral therapy and contemplating the reduction or cessation of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. OBJECTIVE This investigation sought to methodically review existing literature regarding treating connective tissue disease patients with cytomegalovirus infection. METHODS On July 5, 2023, an exhaustive literature search was conducted. Data analysis utilized the Kruskal-Wallis test or one-way analysis of variance, supplemented by Bonferroni post hoc testing. RESULTS Our meta-analysis incorporated 88 studies encompassing 146 connective tissue disease patients with CMV infections. The results indicated that patients with connective tissue disease and cytomegalovirus disease benefitted more from antiviral therapy than those not receiving such treatment (P = 0.003, P < 0.005). Furthermore, the strategic reduction of glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants was beneficial (P = 0.037, P < 0.05). Poor clinical outcomes with glucocorticoid-immunosuppressant combination therapy compared to other treatment modalities. The findings also suggested that CMV infection patients fare better without Cyclosporine A than using it (P = 0.041, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Antiviral therapy is a viable treatment option in cases of connective tissue disease co-occurring with cytomegalovirus disease. Additionally, when connective tissue disease is stable, there is potential merit in reducing glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants, especially avoiding the combination of these drugs. For all cytomegalovirus infection patients, Cyclosporine A may be avoided wherever possible for selecting immunosuppressive agents if its use is not deemed essential in the treatment regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaodi Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiman Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenxuan Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxun Zhong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Haolan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiongyan Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Anji Xiong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Hospital of Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; Inflammation and Immunology Key Laboratory of Nanchong City, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; Nanchong Central Hospital, (Nanchong Clinical Research Center), Nanchong, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tillmanns J, Kicuntod J, Lösing J, Marschall M. 'Getting Better'-Is It a Feasible Strategy of Broad Pan-Antiherpesviral Drug Targeting by Using the Nuclear Egress-Directed Mechanism? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2823. [PMID: 38474070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052823] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The herpesviral nuclear egress represents an essential step of viral replication efficiency in host cells, as it defines the nucleocytoplasmic release of viral capsids. Due to the size limitation of the nuclear pores, viral nuclear capsids are unable to traverse the nuclear envelope without a destabilization of this natural host-specific barrier. To this end, herpesviruses evolved the regulatory nuclear egress complex (NEC), composed of a heterodimer unit of two conserved viral NEC proteins (core NEC) and a large-size extension of this complex including various viral and cellular NEC-associated proteins (multicomponent NEC). Notably, the NEC harbors the pronounced ability to oligomerize (core NEC hexamers and lattices), to multimerize into higher-order complexes, and, ultimately, to closely interact with the migrating nuclear capsids. Moreover, most, if not all, of these NEC proteins comprise regulatory modifications by phosphorylation, so that the responsible kinases, and additional enzymatic activities, are part of the multicomponent NEC. This sophisticated basis of NEC-specific structural and functional interactions offers a variety of different modes of antiviral interference by pharmacological or nonconventional inhibitors. Since the multifaceted combination of NEC activities represents a highly conserved key regulatory stage of herpesviral replication, it may provide a unique opportunity towards a broad, pan-antiherpesviral mechanism of drug targeting. This review presents an update on chances, challenges, and current achievements in the development of NEC-directed antiherpesviral strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tillmanns
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Josephine Lösing
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Piret J, Boivin G. Management of Cytomegalovirus Infections in the Era of the Novel Antiviral Players, Letermovir and Maribavir. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:65-82. [PMID: 38247977 PMCID: PMC10801527 DOI: 10.3390/idr16010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections may increase morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Until recently, standard antiviral drugs against CMV were limited to viral DNA polymerase inhibitors (val)ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir with a risk for cross-resistance. These drugs may also cause serious side effects. This narrative review provides an update on new antiviral agents that were approved for the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in transplant recipients. Letermovir was approved in 2017 for CMV prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive adults who received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Maribavir followed four years later, with an indication in the treatment of adult and pediatric transplant patients with refractory/resistant CMV disease. The target of letermovir is the CMV terminase complex (constituted of pUL56, pUL89 and pUL51 subunits). Letermovir prevents the cleavage of viral DNA and its packaging into capsids. Maribavir is a pUL97 kinase inhibitor, which interferes with the assembly of capsids and the egress of virions from the nucleus. Both drugs have activity against most CMV strains resistant to standard drugs and exhibit favorable safety profiles. However, high-level resistance mutations may arise more rapidly in the UL56 gene under letermovir than low-grade resistance mutations. Some mutations emerging in the UL97 gene under maribavir can be cross-resistant with ganciclovir. Thus, letermovir and maribavir now extend the drug arsenal available for the management of CMV infections and their respective niches are currently defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Boivin
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|