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Zheng X, He Y, Xia B, Tang W, Zhang C, Wang D, Tang H, Zhao P, Peng H, Liu Y. Etravirine Prevents West Nile Virus and Chikungunya Virus Infection Both In Vitro and In Vivo by Inhibiting Viral Replication. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1111. [PMID: 39339151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16091111] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases transmitted by arthropod-borne viruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) pose threat to global public health. Unfortunately, to date, there is no available approved drug for severe symptoms caused by both viruses. It has been reported that reverse transcriptase inhibitors can effectively inhibit RNA polymerase activity of RNA viruses. We screened the anti-WNV activity of the FDA-approved reverse transcriptase inhibitor library and found that 4 out of 27 compounds showed significant antiviral activity. Among the candidates, etravirine markedly inhibited WNV infection in both Huh 7 and SH-SY5Y cells. Further assays revealed that etravirine inhibited the infection of multiple arboviruses, including yellow fever virus (YFV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and CHIKV. A deeper study at the phase of action showed that the drug works primarily during the viral replication process. This was supported by the strong interaction potential between etravirine and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of WNV and alphaviruses, as evaluated using molecular docking. In vivo, etravirine significantly rescued mice from WNV infection-induced weight loss, severe neurological symptoms, and death, as well as reduced the viral load and inflammatory cytokines in target tissues. Etravirine showed antiviral effects in both arthrophlogosis and lethal mouse models of CHIKV infection. This study revealed that etravirine is an effective anti-WNV and CHIKV arbovirus agent both in vitro and in vivo due to the inhibition of viral replication, providing promising candidates for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanhua He
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Binghui Xia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wanda Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yangang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Liu Y, Xu M, Xia B, Qiao Z, He Y, Liu Y, Pan Z, Zhang C, Peng H, Liang X, Zhao P, Tang H, Zheng X. Nifuroxazide Prevents Chikungunya Virus Infection Both In Vitro and In Vivo via Suppressing Viral Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:1322. [PMID: 39205296 PMCID: PMC11360488 DOI: 10.3390/v16081322] [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: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging arbovirus causing disease on a global scale, and the potential for its epidemics remains high. CHIKV has caused millions of cases and heavy economic burdens around the world, while there are no available approved antiviral therapies to date. In this study, nifuroxazide, an FDA-approved antibiotic for acute diarrhea or colitis, was found to significantly inhibit a variety of arboviruses, although its antiviral activity varied among different target cell types. Nifuroxazide exhibited relatively high inhibitory efficiency in yellow fever virus (YFV) infection of the hepatoma cell line Huh7, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and west nile virus (WNV) infection of the vascular endothelial cell line HUVEC, and CHIKV infection of both Huh7 cells and HUVECs, while it barely affected the viral invasion of neurons. Further systematic studies on the action stage of nifuroxazide showed that nifuroxazide mainly inhibited in the viral replication stage. In vivo, nifuroxazide significantly reduced the viral load in muscles and protected mice from CHIKV-induced footpad swelling, an inflammation injury within the arthrosis of infected mice. These results suggest that nifuroxazide has a potential clinical application as an antiviral drug, such as in the treatment of CHIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingxiao Xu
- Department of Infection Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Binghui Xia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhuoyue Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yanhua He
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhendong Pan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuesong Liang
- Department of Infection Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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3
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Jitobaom K, Boonarkart C, Thongon S, Sirihongthong T, Sornwong A, Auewarakul P, Suptawiwat O. In vitro synergistic antiviral activity of repurposed drugs against enterovirus 71. Arch Virol 2024; 169:169. [PMID: 39078431 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-024-06097-1] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Enteroviruses cause viral diseases that are harmful to children. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with neurological complications is mainly caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). Despite its clinical importance, there is no effective antiviral drug against EV71. However, several repurposed drugs have been shown to have antiviral activity against related viruses. Treatments with single drugs and two-drug combinations were performed in vitro to assess anti-EV71 activity. Three repurposed drug candidates with broad-spectrum antiviral activity were found to demonstrate potent anti-EV71 activity: prochlorperazine, niclosamide, and itraconazole. To improve antiviral activity, combinations of two drugs were tested. Niclosamide and itraconazole showed synergistic antiviral activity in Vero cells, whereas combinations of niclosamide-prochlorperazine and itraconazole-prochlorperazine showed only additive effects. Furthermore, the combination of itraconazole and prochlorperazine showed an additive effect in neuroblastoma cells. Itraconazole and prochlorperazine exert their antiviral activities by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. Repurposing of drugs can provide a treatment solution for HFMD, and our data suggest that combining these drugs can enhance that efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlakanya Jitobaom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Chompunuch Boonarkart
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Songkran Thongon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Thanyaporn Sirihongthong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Arpakorn Sornwong
- Department of Central instrument and Research Laboratory, Virology and Immunology Laboratory, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Prasert Auewarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Ornpreya Suptawiwat
- Department of Central instrument and Research Laboratory, Virology and Immunology Laboratory, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
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Daniels MG, Werner ME, Li RT, Pascal SM. Exploration of Potential Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Targets in the Enterovirus Replication Element: Identification of Six Distinct 5' Cloverleaves. Viruses 2024; 16:1009. [PMID: 39066172 PMCID: PMC11281424 DOI: 10.3390/v16071009] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus genomic replication initiates at a predicted RNA cloverleaf (5'CL) at the 5' end of the RNA genome. The 5'CL contains one stem (SA) and three stem-loops (SLB, SLC, SLD). Here, we present an analysis of 5'CL conservation and divergence for 209 human health-related serotypes from the enterovirus genus, including enterovirus and rhinovirus species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates six distinct 5'CL serotypes that only partially correlate with the species definition. Additional findings include that 5'CL sequence conservation is higher between the EV species than between the RV species, the 5'CL of EVA and EVB are nearly identical, and RVC has the lowest 5'CL conservation. Regions of high conservation throughout all species include SA and the loop and nearby bases of SLB, which is consistent with known protein interactions at these sites. In addition to the known protein binding site for the Poly-C binding protein in the loop of SLB, other conserved consecutive cytosines in the stems of SLB and SLC provide additional potential interaction sites that have not yet been explored. Other sites of conservation, including the predicted bulge of SLD and other conserved stem, loop, and junction regions, are more difficult to explain and suggest additional interactions or structural requirements that are not yet fully understood. This more intricate understanding of sequence and structure conservation and variability in the 5'CL may assist in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals against a wide range of enteroviruses, while better defining the range of virus isotypes expected to be affected by a particular antiviral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan G. Daniels
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA; (M.G.D.); (M.E.W.)
| | - Meagan E. Werner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA; (M.G.D.); (M.E.W.)
| | - Rockwell T. Li
- Math and Science Academy, Ocean Lakes High School, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA;
| | - Steven M. Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA; (M.G.D.); (M.E.W.)
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5
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Lochaiyakun N, Srimanote P, Khantisitthiporn O, Thanongsaksrikul J. Novel Anti-Enterovirus A71 Compounds Discovered by Repositioning Antivirals from the Open-Source MMV Pandemic Response Box. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:785. [PMID: 38931452 PMCID: PMC11206571 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060785] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The open-source drug library, namely, MMV Pandemic Response Box, contains 153 antiviral agents, a chemically and pharmacologically diverse mixture of early-stage, emerging anti-infective scaffolds, and mature compounds currently undergoing clinical development. Hence, the Pandemic Response Box might contain compounds that bind and interfere with target molecules or cellular pathways that are conserved or shared among the closely related viruses with enterovirus A71 (EV-A71). This study aimed to screen antiviral agents included in the Pandemic Response Box for repurposing to anti-EV-A71 activity and investigate the inhibitory effects of the compounds on viral replication. The compounds' cytotoxicity and ability to rescue infected cells were determined by % cell survival using an SRB assay. The hit compounds were verified for anti-EV-A71 activity by virus reduction assays for viral RNA copy numbers, viral protein synthesis, and mature particle production using qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and CCID50 assay, respectively. It was found that some of the hit compounds could reduce EV-A71 genome replication and protein synthesis. D-D7 (2-pyridone-containing human rhinovirus 3C protease inhibitor) exhibited the highest anti-EV-A71 activity. Even though D-D7 has been originally indicated as a polyprotein processing inhibitor of human rhinovirus 3C protease, it could be repurposed as an anti-EV-A71 agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattinee Lochaiyakun
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; (N.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; (N.L.); (P.S.)
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Onruedee Khantisitthiporn
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; (N.L.); (P.S.)
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
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6
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Abduljalil JM, Elfiky AA, Sayed ESTA, AlKhazindar MM. In silico structural elucidation of Nipah virus L protein and targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain by nucleoside analogs. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8215-8229. [PMID: 36205638 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2130987] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
The large (L) protein of Mononegavirales is a multi-domain protein that performs transcription and genome replication. One of the important domains in L is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a promising target for antiviral drugs. In this work, we employed rigorous computational comparative modeling to predict the structure of L protein of Nipah virus (NiV). The RdRp domain was targeted by a panel of nucleotide analogs, previously reported to inhibit different viral RNA polymerases, using molecular docking. Best binder compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to validate their binding. Molecular mechanics/generalized-born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations estimated the binding free energy. The predicted model of NiV L has an excellent quality as judged by physics- and knowledge-based validation tests. Galidesivir, AT-9010 and Norov-29 scored the top nucleotide analogs to bind to the RdRp. Their binding free energies obtained by MM/GBSA (-31.01 ± 3.9 to -38.37 ± 4.8 kcal/mol) ranked Norov-29 as the best potential inhibitor. Purine nucleotide analogs are expected to harbor the scaffold for an effective drug against NiV. Finally, this study is expected to provide a start point for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery campaigns toward identification of effective chemotherapeutic agent(s) against NiV.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel M Abduljalil
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Abdo A Elfiky
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed T A Sayed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha M AlKhazindar
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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7
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Glumakova K, Ivanov G, Vedernikova V, Shyrokova L, Lebedev T, Stomakhin A, Zenchenko A, Oslovsky V, Drenichev M, Prassolov V, Spirin P. Nucleoside Analog 2',3'-Isopropylidene-5-Iodouridine as Novel Efficient Inhibitor of HIV-1. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2389. [PMID: 37896149 PMCID: PMC10610023 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102389] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are the first class of drugs to be approved by the FDA for the suppression of HIV-1 and are widely used for this purpose in combination with drugs of other classes. Despite the progress in HIV-1 treatment, there is still the need to develop novel efficient antivirals. Here the efficiency of HIV-1 inhibition by a set of original 5-substituted uridine nucleosides was studied. We used the replication deficient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-based lentiviral particles and identified that among the studied compounds, 2',3'-isopropylidene-5-iodouridine was shown to cause anti-HIV-1 activity. Importantly, no toxic action of this compound against the cells of T-cell origin was found. We determined that this compound is significantly more efficient at suppressing HIV-1 compared to Azidothymidine (AZT) when taken at the high non-toxic concentrations. We did not find any profit when using AZT in combination with 2',3'-isopropylidene-5-iodouridine. 2',3'-Isopropylidene-5-iodouridine acts synergistically to repress HIV-1 when combined with the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib in low non-toxic concentration. No synergistic antiviral action was detected when AZT was combined with Palbociclib. We suggest 2',3'-isopropylidene-5-iodouridine as a novel perspective non-toxic compound that may be used for HIV-l suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Glumakova
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, Institutskiy per. 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Georgy Ivanov
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
| | - Valeria Vedernikova
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, Institutskiy per. 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Lena Shyrokova
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Timofey Lebedev
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Stomakhin
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
| | - Anastasia Zenchenko
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
| | - Vladimir Oslovsky
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
| | - Mikhail Drenichev
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
| | - Vladimir Prassolov
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Spirin
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (K.G.); (G.I.); (V.V.); (T.L.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (V.O.); (M.D.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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8
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Batubara AS, Abdelazim AH, Almrasy AA, Gamal M, Ramzy S. Quantitative analysis of two COVID-19 antiviral agents, favipiravir and remdesivir, in spiked human plasma using spectrophotometric methods; greenness evaluation. BMC Chem 2023; 17:58. [PMID: 37328879 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-00967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Favipiravir and remdesivir have been included in the COVID-19 treatment guidelines panel of several countries. The main objective of the current work is to develop the first validated green spectrophotometric methods for the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in spiked human plasma. The UV absorption spectra of favipiravir and remdesivir have shown some overlap, making simultaneous determination difficult. Due to the considerable overlap, two ratio spectra manipulating spectrophotometric methods, namely, ratio difference and the first derivative of ratio spectra, enabled the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in their pure forms and spiked plasma. The ratio spectra of favipiravir and remdesivir were derived by dividing the spectra of each drug by the suitable spectrum of another drug as a divisor to get the ratio spectra. Favipiravir was determined by calculating the difference between 222 and 256 nm of the derived ratio spectra, while calculating the difference between 247 and 271 nm of the derived ratio spectra enabled the determination of remdesivir. Moreover, the ratio spectra of every drug were transformed to the first order derivative using ∆λ = 4 and a scaling factor of 100. The first-order derivative amplitude values at 228 and 251.20 nm enabled the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir, respectively. Regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of favipiravir (Cmax 4.43 µg/mL) and remdesivir (Cmax 3027 ng/mL), the proposed methods have been successfully applied to the spectrophotometric determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in plasma matrix. Additionally, the greenness of the described methods was evaluated using three metrics systems: the national environmental method index, the analytical eco-scale, and the analytical greenness metric. The results demonstrated that the described models were in accordance with the environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan S Batubara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazim
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11751, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Almrasy
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11751, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Sherif Ramzy
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11751, Egypt.
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9
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Hudu SA, Alshrari AS, Al Qtaitat A, Imran M. VP37 Protein Inhibitors for Mpox Treatment: Highlights on Recent Advances, Patent Literature, and Future Directions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041106. [PMID: 37189724 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041106] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox disease (Mpox) has threatened humankind worldwide since mid-2022. The Mpox virus (MpoxV) is an example of Orthopoxviruses (OPVs), which share similar genomic structures. A few treatments and vaccines are available for Mpox. OPV-specific VP37 protein (VP37P) is a target for developing drugs against Mpox and other OPV-induced infections such as smallpox. This review spotlights the existing and prospective VP37P inhibitors (VP37PIs) for Mpox. The non-patent literature was collected from PubMed, and the patent literature was gathered from free patent databases. Very little work has been carried out on developing VP37PIs. One VP37PI (tecovirimat) has already been approved in Europe to treat Mpox, while another drug, NIOCH-14, is under clinical trial. Developing tecovirimat/NIOCH-14-based combination therapies with clinically used drugs demonstrating activity against Mpox or other OPV infections (mitoxantrone, ofloxacin, enrofloxacin, novobiocin, cidofovir, brincidofovir, idoxuridine, trifluridine, vidarabine, fialuridine, adefovir, imatinib, and rifampicin), immunity boosters (vitamin C, zinc, thymoquinone, quercetin, ginseng, etc.), and vaccines may appear a promising strategy to fight against Mpox and other OPV infections. Drug repurposing is also a good approach for identifying clinically useful VP37PIs. The dearth in the discovery process of VP37PIs makes it an interesting area for further research. The development of the tecovirimat/NIOCH-14-based hybrid molecules with certain chemotherapeutic agents looks fruitful and can be explored to obtain new VP37PI. It would be interesting and challenging to develop an ideal VP37PI concerning its specificity, safety, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaibu A Hudu
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
| | - Ahmed S Alshrari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman Al Qtaitat
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak 61710, Jordan
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Moustafa AH, Pasha HF, Abas MA, Aboregela AM. The ameliorating role of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir on thioacetamide-induced kidney injury in adult albino rats. Anat Cell Biol 2023; 56:109-121. [PMID: 36543744 PMCID: PMC9989782 DOI: 10.5115/acb.22.200] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA) exposure and hepatitis C virus infection are usually associated with renal dysfunction. Sofosbuvir (SFV) and daclatasvir (DAC) drugs combination has great value in the treatment of hepatitis C. The study aimed to identify the nephrotoxic effects of TAA and to evaluate the ameliorative role of SFV and DAC in this condition. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into eight groups and received saline (control), SFV, DAC, SFV+DAC, TAA, TAA+SFV, TAA+DAC and TAA+SFV+DAC for eight weeks. Kidney and blood samples were retrieved and processed for histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome), immunohistochemical (α-smooth muscle actin), and biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Examination revealed marked destruction of renal tubules on exposure to TAA with either hypertrophy or atrophy of glomeruli, increase in collagen deposition, and wide expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Also, significant disturbance in kidney functions, oxidative stress markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Supplementation with either SFV or DAC produced mild improvement in the tissue and laboratory markers. Moreover, the combination of both drugs greatly refined the pathology induced by TAA at the cellular and laboratory levels. However, there are still significant differences when compared to the control. In conclusion, SFV and DAC combination partially but greatly ameliorated the renal damage induced by TAA which might be enhanced with further supplementations to give new hope for those with nephropathy associated with hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Moustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Heba F Pasha
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Manar A Abas
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Adel M Aboregela
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Rampogu S, Kim Y, Kim SW, Lee KW. An overview on monkeypox virus: Pathogenesis, transmission, host interaction and therapeutics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1076251. [PMID: 36844409 PMCID: PMC9950268 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1076251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Orthopoxvirus is one of the most notorious genus amongst the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox (MP) is a zoonotic disease that has been spreading throughout Africa. The spread is global, and incidence rates are increasing daily. The spread of the virus is rapid due to human-to-human and animals-to-human transmission. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox virus (MPV) as a global health emergency. Since treatment options are limited, it is essential to know the modes of transmission and symptoms to stop disease spread. The information from host-virus interactions revealed significantly expressed genes that are important for the progression of the MP infection. In this review, we highlighted the MP virus structure, transmission modes, and available therapeutic options. Furthermore, this review provides insights for the scientific community to extend their research work in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailima Rampogu
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseong Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Kyungnam University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Won Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, Republic of Korea
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12
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Yan R, He J, Liu G, Zhong J, Xu J, Zheng K, Ren Z, He Z, Zhu Q. Drug Repositioning for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Viruses 2022; 15:75. [PMID: 36680115 PMCID: PMC9861398 DOI: 10.3390/v15010075] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious disease in children caused by a group of enteroviruses. HFMD currently presents a major threat to infants and young children because of a lack of antiviral drugs in clinical practice. Drug repositioning is an attractive drug discovery strategy aimed at identifying and developing new drugs for diseases. Notably, repositioning of well-characterized therapeutics, including either approved or investigational drugs, is becoming a potential strategy to identify new treatments for virus infections. Various types of drugs, including antibacterial, cardiovascular, and anticancer agents, have been studied in relation to their therapeutic potential to treat HFMD. In this review, we summarize the major outbreaks of HFMD and the progress in drug repositioning to treat this disease. We also discuss the structural features and mode of action of these repositioned drugs and highlight the opportunities and challenges of drug repositioning for HFMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Jiahao He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ge Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jiapeng Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhe Ren
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhendan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qinchang Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
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13
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Ozdemir ES, Ranganathan SV, Nussinov R. How has artificial intelligence impacted COVID-19 drug repurposing and what lessons have we learned? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1061-1065. [PMID: 36154343 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2128333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Sila Ozdemir
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Srivathsan V Ranganathan
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Kunstek H, Vreken F, Keita A, Hamblin MR, Dumarçay F, Varbanov M. Aspects of Antiviral Strategies Based on Different Phototherapy Approaches: Hit by the Light. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:858. [PMID: 35890156 PMCID: PMC9316526 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused the COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the world from late 2019, served as a ruthless reminder of the threat viruses pose to global public health. The synthesis of new antiviral drugs, as well as repurposing existing products, is a long-term ongoing process which has challenged the scientific community. One solution could be an effective, accessible, and rapidly available antiviral treatment based on phototherapy (PT). PT has been used to treat several diseases, and relies on the absorption of light by endogenous molecules or exogenous photosensitizers (PS). PT has often been used in cancer treatment and prophylaxis, and as a complement to established chemotherapy and immunotherapy in combined therapeutic strategy. Besides significant applications in anticancer treatment, studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of PT on respiratory, systemic, emerging, and oncogenic viral infections. The aim of this review was to highlight the potential of PT to combat viral infections by summarizing current progress in photodynamic, photothermal, and photoacoustic approaches. Attention is drawn to the virucidal effect of PT on systemic viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus and human herpes viruses, including the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma, human herpes virus (HHV8). PT has good potential for disinfection in anti-norovirus research and against pandemic viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kunstek
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Fanny Vreken
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
| | - Aminata Keita
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa;
| | - Florence Dumarçay
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
| | - Mihayl Varbanov
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centres Hospitaliers Régionaux Universitaires (CHRU) de Nancy Brabois, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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15
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Drug Sensitivity of Vaccine-Derived Rubella Viruses and Quasispecies Evolution in Granulomatous Lesions of Two Ataxia-Telangiectasia Patients Treated with Nitazoxanide. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030338. [PMID: 35335662 PMCID: PMC8955873 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A strong association between rubella virus (RuV) and chronic granulomas, in individuals with inborn errors of immunity, has been recently established. Both the RA27/3 vaccine and wild-type RuV strains were highly sensitive to a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, nitazoxanide (NTZ), in vitro. However, NTZ treatment, used as a salvage therapy, resulted in little or no improvements of RuV-associated cutaneous granulomas in patients. Here, we report investigations of possible causes of treatment failures in two ataxia-telangiectasia patients. Although a reduction in RuV RNA in skin lesions was detected by real-time RT-PCR, live immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived rubella viruses (iVDRV) were recovered from granulomas, before and after the treatments. Tizoxanide, an active NTZ metabolite, inhibited replications of all iVDRVs in cultured A549 cells, but the 50% and 90% inhibitory concentrations were 10–40 times higher than those for the RA27/3 strain. There were no substantial differences in iVDRV sensitivities, neither before nor after treatments. Analysis of quasispecies in the E1 gene, a suspected NTZ target, showed no effect of NTZ treatments on quasispecies’ complexity in lesions. Thus, failures of NTZ therapies were likely due to low sensitivities of iVDRVs to the drug, and not related to the emergence of resistance, following long-term NTZ treatments.
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Chan SW, Shafi T, Ford RC. Kite-Shaped Molecules Block SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry at a Post-Attachment Step. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112306. [PMID: 34835112 PMCID: PMC8619434 DOI: 10.3390/v13112306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-viral small molecules are currently lacking for treating coronavirus infection. The long development timescales for such drugs are a major problem, but could be shortened by repurposing existing drugs. We therefore screened a small library of FDA-approved compounds for potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antivirals using a pseudovirus system that allows a sensitive read-out of infectivity. A group of structurally-related compounds, showing moderate inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the 2–5 μM range, were identified. Further studies demonstrated that these “kite-shaped” molecules were surprisingly specific for SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 and that they acted early in the entry steps of the viral infectious cycle, but did not affect virus attachment to the cells. Moreover, the compounds were able to prevent infection in both kidney- and lung-derived human cell lines. The structural homology of the hits allowed the production of a well-defined pharmacophore that was found to be highly accurate in predicting the anti-viral activity of the compounds in the screen. We discuss the prospects of repurposing these existing drugs for treating current and future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Chan S, Shafi T, Ford RC. Kite-shaped molecules block SARS-CoV-2 cell entry at a post-attachment step.. [DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.29.446272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTAnti-viral small molecules are currently lacking for treating coronavirus infection. The long development timescales for such drugs are a major problem, but could be shortened by repurposing existing drugs. We therefore screened a small library of FDA-approved compounds for potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antivirals using a pseudovirus system that allows a sensitive read-out of infectivity. A group of structurally-related compounds, showing moderate inhibitory activity with IC50values in the 1-5µM range, were identified. Further studies demonstrated that these ‘kite-shaped’ molecules were surprisingly specific for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 and that they acted early in the entry steps of the viral infectious cycle, but did not affect virus attachment to the cells. Moreover the compounds were able to prevent infection in both kidney- and lung-derived human cell lines. The structural homology of the hits allowed the production of a well-defined pharmacophore that was found to be highly accurate in predicting the anti-viral activity of the compounds in the screen. We discuss the prospects of repurposing these existing drugs for treating current and future coronavirus outbreaks.
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18
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Akbar SM, Mahtab MA, Aguilar JC, Uddin MH, Khan MSI, Yoshida O, Penton E, Gerardo GN, Hiasa Y. Role of Pegylated Interferon in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2021; 11:27-31. [PMID: 34316461 PMCID: PMC8286362 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 168 million cases and about 3.5 million deaths (as of May 26, 2021) during the last 18 months. These 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been characterized by phases or waves of new cases, the emergence of new variants of the deadly virus, and several new complications. After providing emergency approval to several drugs and adherence to several public health measures with frequent full and partial lockdowns, the incidence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could not be contained till now on a global basis. Although prophylactic vaccines have inspired optimism, the scarcity of vaccines and several vaccine-related regulations indicate that the vaccine's benefit would not be reaching the people of developing countries anytime soon. In the course of our clinical practice, we used pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) in 35 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD), and we found that only two of them were infected with SARS-CoV-2 that was mild in nature. These two patients with CLD have a mild course of disease cured without any specific therapy. Patients with CLD are usually immune-compromised. However, three CLD patients remained free of SARS-CoV-2 although they had COVID-19 patients among their family members. Next, we accomplished two studies for assessing the immune-modulatory capacities of Peg-IFN, 1 and 12 injections following administration of Peg-IFN. The data revealed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Peg-IFN-administered CLD patients produced significantly higher levels of some cytokines of innate immunity in comparison with the cytokines produced by PBMC of CLD patients before Peg-IFN intake. The pattern of cytokine responses and absence of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in 33 of 35 CLD patients represent some preliminary observations indicating a possible role of Peg-IFN in patients with CLD. The study may be extended to other chronic infections and cancers in which patients receive Peg-IFN. The role of Peg-IFN for pre- or postexposure prophylaxis in the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection and influencing the natural course of COVID-19 remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mf Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mamun A Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Julio C Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Md H Uddin
- Specialized Liver Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sakirul I Khan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Eduardo Penton
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
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