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Ghazal A, Clarke D, Abdel-Rahman MA, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Pattinson C, Burgoyne K, Muhammad T, Alfadhel S, Heidari Z, Samir R, Gerges MM, Nkene I, Colamarino RA, Hijazi K, Houssen WE. Venomous gland transcriptome and venom proteomic analysis of the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi reveal new peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Peptides 2024; 173:171139. [PMID: 38142817 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171139] [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] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic shows the critical need for novel broad spectrum antiviral agents. Scorpion venoms are known to contain highly bioactive peptides, several of which have demonstrated strong antiviral activity against a range of viruses. We have generated the first annotated reference transcriptome for the Androctonus amoreuxi venom gland and used high performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome mining, circular dichroism and mass spectrometric analysis to purify and characterize twelve previously undescribed venom peptides. Selected peptides were tested for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibition of the spike RBD - human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) interaction using surface plasmon resonance-based assays. Seven peptides showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects, albeit with IC50 in the high micromolar range (117-1202 µM). The most active peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and tested for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage B.1.1.7). On exposure to the synthetic peptide of a human lung cell line infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, we observed an IC50 of 200 nM, which was nearly 600-fold lower than that observed in the RBD - hACE2 binding inhibition assay. Our results show that scorpion venom peptides can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication although unlikely through inhibition of spike RBD - hACE2 interaction as the primary mode of action. Scorpion venom peptides represent excellent scaffolds for design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 constrained peptides. Future studies should fully explore their antiviral mode of action as well as the structural dynamics of inhibition of target virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghazal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - David Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | | | - Antonio Ribeiro
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Craig Pattinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kate Burgoyne
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591 SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanad Alfadhel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Reham Samir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Gerges
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Istifanus Nkene
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Rosa A Colamarino
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wael E Houssen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
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2
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Cheng Y, Jiao L, Chen J, Chen P, Zhou F, Zhang J, Wang M, Wu Q, Cao S, Lu H, Wu Z, Wang A, Qian Y, Zhu S. Duck Tembusu virus infection activates the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK signaling pathway to promote virus replication. Vet Microbiol 2024; 288:109951. [PMID: 38101078 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109951] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) infection poses a serious threat to ducks, chickens, and geese, causing a range of detrimental effects, including reduced egg production, growth retardation, and even death. These consequences lead to substantial economic losses for the Chinese poultry industry. Although it is established that various viral infections can trigger activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the precise role and mechanisms underlying p38 MAPK activation in DTMUV infection remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate whether the replication of DTMUV necessitates the activation of p38 MAPK. We found that DTMUV infection stimulates activation of the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK pathway, and the activation of p38 MAPK increases with viral titer. Subsequently, the use of the small molecule inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduced DTMUV replication by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity. Furthermore, downregulation of p38 MAPK protein expression by siRNA also inhibited DTMUV replication, whereas transient transfection of p38 MAPK protein promoted DTMUV replication. Interestingly, we found that the DTMUV capsid protein activates p38 MAPK, and there is interaction between DTMUV capsid and p38 MAPK. Finally, we found that DTMUV infection induces elevated mRNA expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, which is associated with p38 MAPK activity. These results indicated that virus hijacking of p38 activation is a crucial event for DTMUV replication, and that pharmacological blockade of p38 activation represents a potential anti-DTMUV strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Linlin Jiao
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinying Chen
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Peiyao Chen
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jilin Zhang
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Mixue Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Qingguo Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Shinuo Cao
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Huipeng Lu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Zhi Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Anping Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yingjuan Qian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Shanyuan Zhu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China.
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3
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Lee J, Mohammad N, Lu Y, Oshins R, Aranyos A, Brantly M. Alpha-defensins inhibit ERK/STAT3 signaling during monocyte-macrophage differentiation and impede macrophage function. Respir Res 2023; 24:309. [PMID: 38082274 PMCID: PMC10714504 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02605-0] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder associated with a 5-tenfold decrease in lung levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and an increased risk for obstructive lung disease. α-defensins are cationic broad-spectrum cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory peptides found in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils. The concentration of α-defensins is less than 30 nM in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of healthy controls but is up to 6 μM in AATD individuals with significant lung function impairment. Alveolar macrophages are generally classified into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) subsets that play distinct roles in the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Therefore, monocyte-macrophage differentiation should be tightly controlled to maintain lung integrity. In this study, we determined the effect of α-defensins on monocyte-macrophage differentiation and identified the molecular mechanism of this effect. The results of this study demonstrate that 2.5 μM of α-defensins inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 and suppress the expression of M2 macrophage markers, CD163 and CD206. In addition, a scratch assay shows that the high concentration of α-defensins inhibits cell movement by ~ 50%, and the phagocytosis assay using flow cytometry shows that α-defensins significantly reduce the bacterial phagocytosis rate of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). To examine whether exogenous AAT is able to alleviate the inhibitory effect of α-defensins on macrophage function, we incubated MDMs with AAT prior to α-defensin treatment and demonstrate that AAT improves the migratory ability and phagocytic ability of MDMs compared with MDMs incubated only with α-defensins. Taken together, this study suggests that a high concentration of α-defensins inhibits the activation of ERK/STAT3 signaling, negatively regulates the expression of M2 macrophage markers, and impairs innate immune function of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungnam Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Naweed Mohammad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuanqing Lu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Regina Oshins
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alek Aranyos
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark Brantly
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [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] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Kuppusamy R, Islam S, Willcox MDP. A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Peptides 2023; 166:171024. [PMID: 37172781 PMCID: PMC10170872 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral epidemics are occurring frequently, and the COVID-19 viral pandemic has resulted in at least 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Although antiviral therapeutics are available, these may not have sufficient effect. The emergence of resistant or novel viruses requires new therapies. Cationic antimicrobial peptides are agents of the innate immune system that may offer a promising solution to viral infections. These peptides are gaining attention as possible therapies for viral infections or for use as prophylactic agents to prevent viral spread. This narrative review examines antiviral peptides, their structural features, and mechanism of activity. A total of 156 cationic antiviral peptides were examined for information of their mechanism of action against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Antiviral peptides can be isolated from various natural sources or can be generated synthetically. The latter tend to be more specific and effective and can be made to have a broad spectrum of activity with minimal side effects. Their unique properties of being positively charges and amphipathic enable their main mode of action which is to target and disrupt viral lipid envelopes, thereby inhibiting viral entry and replication. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of antiviral peptides, which could potentially aid in the design and creation of novel antiviral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Wang L, Sun F, Hu J, Zuo W, Zheng Y, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. The tick saliva peptide HIDfsin2 promotes the tick-borne virus SFTSV replication in vitro by enhancing p38 signal pathway. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1783-1794. [PMID: 37148319 PMCID: PMC10163292 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03515-2] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens co-evolved with ticks to facilitate blood collection and pathogen transmission. Although tick saliva was recently found to be rich in bioactive peptides, it is still elusive which saliva peptide promotes virus transmission and which pathways are invovled. Here, we used a saliva peptide HIDfsin2 and a severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) both carried by the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis to elucidate the relationship between tick saliva components and tick-borne viruses. HIDfsin2 was found to promote the replication of SFTSV in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. HIDfsin2 was further revealed to MKK3/6-dependently magnify the activation of p38 MAPK. The overexpression, knockdown and phosphorylation site mutation of p38α indicated that p38 MAPK activation facilitated SFTSV infection in A549 cells. Moreover, the blockade of p38 MAPK activation significantly suppressed SFTSV replication. Differently, HIDfsin2 or pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK activation had no effect on a mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV). All these results showed that HIDfsin2 specifically promoted SFTSV replication through the MKK3/6-dependent enhancement of p38 MAPK activation. Our study provides a new perspective on the transmission of tick-borne viruses under natural conditions, and supports that the blockade of p38 MAPK activation can be a promising strategy against the mortal tick-borne virus SFTSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Fang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Jing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Weimin Zuo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Center for Medical Experiments (CME), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Keikha M, Kamali H, Ghazvini K, Karbalaei M. Antimicrobial peptides: natural or synthetic defense peptides against HBV and HCV infections. Virusdisease 2022; 33:445-455. [PMID: 36447811 PMCID: PMC9701303 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00790-y] [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: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the literature, treatment of HCV and HBV infections faces challenges due to problems such as the emergence of drug-resistant mutants, the high cost of treatment, and the side effects of current antiviral therapy. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a group of small peptides, are a part of the immune system and are considered as an alternative treatment for microbial infections. These peptides are water-soluble with amphiphilic (hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces) characteristics. AMPs are produced by a wide range of organisms including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The antiviral mechanisms of AMPs include inhibiting virus entry, inhibiting intracellular virus replication, inhibiting intracellular viral packaging, and inducing immune responses. In addition, AMPs are a new generation of antiviral biomolecules that have very low toxicity for human host cells, particularly liver cell lines. AMPs can be considered as one of the most important strategies for developing new adjuvant drugs in the treatment of HBV and HCV infections. In the present study, several groups of AMPs (with a net positive charge) such as Human cathelicidin, Claudin-1, Defensins, Hepcidin, Lactoferrin, Casein, Plectasin, Micrococcin P1, Scorpion venom, and Synthetic peptides were reviewed with antiviral properties against HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Keikha
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Kamali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ghazvini
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Karbalaei
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
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Huang C, Sun Y, Qiu X, Huang J, Wang A, Zhang Q, Pang S, Huang Q, Zhou R, Li L. The Intracellular Interaction of Porcine β-Defensin 2 with VASH1 Alleviates Inflammation via Akt Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2795-2805. [PMID: 35688466 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a major class of antimicrobial peptides that facilitate the immune system to resist pathogen infection. To date, only β-defensins have been identified in pigs. In our previous studies, porcine β-defensin 2 (PBD-2) was shown to have both bactericidal activity and modulatory roles on inflammation. PBD-2 can interact with the cell surface TLR4 and interfere with the NF-κB signaling pathway to suppress the inflammatory response. In this study, the intracellular functions of PBD-2 were investigated. The fluorescently labeled PBD-2 could actively enter mouse macrophage cells. Proteomic analysis indicated that 37 proteins potentially interacted with PBD-2, among which vasohibin-1 (VASH1) was further tested. LPS, an inflammation inducer, suppressed the expression of VASH1, whereas PBD-2 inhibited this effect. PBD-2 inhibited LPS-induced activation of Akt, expression and release of the inflammatory mediators vascular endothelial growth factor and NO, and cell damage. A follow-up VASH1 knockdown assay validated the specificity of the above observations. In addition, PBD-2 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation via Akt. The inhibition effects of PBD-2 on LPS triggered suppression of VASH1 and activation of Akt, and NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines were also confirmed using pig alveolar macrophage 3D4/21 cells. Therefore, the data indicate that PBD-2 interacts with intracellular VASH1, which inhibits the LPS-induced Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in suppression of inflammatory responses. Together with our previous findings, we conclude that PBD-2 interacts with both the cell surface receptor (TLR4) and also with the intracellular receptor (VASH1) to control inflammation, thereby providing insights into the immunomodulatory roles of defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuxiu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; and
| | - Antian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Siqi Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China;
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
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10
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Amorim-Carmo B, Parente AMS, Souza ES, Silva-Junior AA, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Antimicrobial Peptide Analogs From Scorpions: Modifications and Structure-Activity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887763. [PMID: 35712354 PMCID: PMC9197468 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of multidrug-resistant pathogens against conventional antibiotics is a global public health problem. The irrational use of antibiotics has promoted therapeutic limitations against different infections, making research of new molecules that can be applied to treat infections necessary. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of promising antibiotic molecules as they present broad action spectrum, potent activity, and do not easily induce resistance. Several AMPs from scorpion venoms have been described as a potential source for the development of new drugs; however, some limitations to their application are also observed. Here, we describe strategies used in several approaches to optimize scorpion AMPs, addressing their primary sequence, biotechnological potential, and characteristics that should be considered when developing an AMP derived from scorpion venoms. In addition, this review may contribute towards improving the understanding of rationally designing new molecules, targeting functional AMPs that may have a therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Amorim-Carmo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriana M. S. Parente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Eden S. Souza
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnóbio A. Silva-Junior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Renata M. Araújo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa,
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11
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Humanizing plant-derived snakins and their encrypted antimicrobial peptides. Biochimie 2022; 199:92-111. [PMID: 35472564 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Due to safety restrictions, plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) need optimization to be consumed beyond preservatives. Herein, 175 GASA-domain-containing snakins were analyzed. Factors including charge, hydrophobicity, helicity, hydrophobic moment (μH), folding enthalpy, folding heat capacity, folding free energy, therapeutic index, allergenicity, and bitterness were considered. The most optimal snakins for oral consumption as preservatives were from Cajanus cajan, Cucumis melo, Durio zibethinus, Glycine soja, Herrania umbratica, and Ziziphus jujuba. Virtual digestion of snakins predicted ACE1 and DPPIV inhibitory as dominant effects upon oral use with antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties. To be applied as a therapeutic in parenteral administration, snakins were browsed for short 20-mer encrypted fragments that were non-toxic or with eliminated toxicity using directed mutagenesis yet retaining the AMP property. The most promising 20-mer AMPs were Mr-SNK2-1a in Morella rubra with BBB permeation, Na-SNK2-2a(C18W), and Na-SNK2-2b(C16F) from Nicotiana attenuata. These AMPs were cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), with a charge of +6, a μH of about 0.40, and a Boman-index higher than 2.48 Kcalmol-1. Na-SNK2-2a(C18W) had putative activity against gram-negative bacteria with MIC lower than 25 μgml-1, and Na-SNK2-2b(C16F) was a potential anti-HIV with an IC50 of 3.04 μM. Other 20-mer AMPs, such as Cc-SNK1-2a from Cajanus cajan displayed an anti-HCV property with an IC50 of 13.91 μM. While Si-SNK2-3a(C17P) from Sesamum indicum was a cationic anti-angiogenic CPP targeting the acidic microenvironment of tumors, Cme-SNK2-1a(C11F) from Cucumis melo was an immunomodulator CPP applicable as a vaccine adjuvant. Because of combined mechanisms, investigating cysteine-rich peptides can nominate effective biotherapeutics.
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12
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Antiviral Effects of Animal Toxins: Is There a Way to Drugs? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073634. [PMID: 35408989 PMCID: PMC8998278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses infect all types of organisms, causing viral diseases, which are very common in humans. Since viruses use the metabolic pathways of their host cells to replicate, they are difficult to eradicate without affecting the cells. The most effective measures against viral infections are vaccinations and antiviral drugs, which selectively inhibit the viral replication cycle. Both methods have disadvantages, which requires the development of new approaches to the treatment of viral diseases. In the study of animal venoms, it was found that, in addition to toxicity, venoms exhibit other types of biological activity, including an antiviral one, the first mention of which dates back to middle of the last century, but detailed studies of their antiviral activity have been conducted over the past 15 years. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced these studies and several compounds with antiviral activity have been identified in venoms. Some of them are very active and can be considered as the basis for antiviral drugs. This review discusses recent antiviral studies, the found compounds with high antiviral activity, and the possible mechanisms of their action. The prospects for using the animal venom components to create antiviral drugs, and the expected problems and possible solutions are also considered.
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13
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Ghosh S, Pramanik S. Structural diversity, functional aspects and future therapeutic applications of human gut microbiome. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5281-5308. [PMID: 34405262 PMCID: PMC8370661 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The research on human gut microbiome, regarded as the black box of the human body, is still at the stage of infancy as the functional properties of the complex gut microbiome have not yet been understood. Ongoing metagenomic studies have deciphered that the predominant microbial communities belong to eubacterial phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and archaebacterial phylum Euryarchaeota. The indigenous commensal microbial flora prevents opportunistic pathogenic infection and play undeniable roles in digestion, metabolite and signaling molecule production and controlling host's cellular health, immunity and neuropsychiatric behavior. Besides maintaining intestinal health via short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, gut microbes also aid in neuro-immuno-endocrine modulatory molecule production, immune cell differentiation and glucose and lipid metabolism. Interdependence of diet and intestinal microbial diversity suggests the effectiveness of pre- and pro-biotics in maintenance of gut and systemic health. Several companies worldwide have started potentially exploiting the microbial contribution to human health and have translated their use in disease management and therapeutic applications. The present review discusses the vast diversity of microorganisms playing intricate roles in human metabolism. The contribution of the intestinal microbiota to regulate systemic activities including gut-brain-immunity crosstalk has been focused. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first of its kind to collate and discuss the companies worldwide translating the multi-therapeutic potential of human intestinal microbiota, based on the multi-omics studies, i.e. metagenomics and metabolomics, as ready solutions for several metabolic and systemic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Ghosh
- Kolkata Zonal Center, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, i-8 Sector-C, East Kolkata Township, Kolkata, 700107, India.
| | - Sreemanta Pramanik
- Kolkata Zonal Center, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, i-8 Sector-C, East Kolkata Township, Kolkata, 700107, India
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14
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El Hidan MA, Laaradia MA, El Hiba O, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Kahime K. Scorpion-Derived Antiviral Peptides with a Special Focus on Medically Important Viruses: An Update. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9998420. [PMID: 34527748 PMCID: PMC8437663 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9998420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of viral infection, especially the current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, is a very risky one. Additionally, HCV expresses the necessity for antiviral therapeutic elements. Venoms are known to contain an array of bioactive peptides that are commonly used in the treatment of various medical issues. Several peptides isolated from scorpion venom have recently been proven to possess an antiviral activity against several viral families. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of scorpion antiviral peptides and to discuss their modes of action and potential biomedical application against different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
- Metabolic Platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Kholoud Kahime
- SAEDD Laboratory, School of Technology Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh, Morocco
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15
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Miyashita M, Mitani N, Kitanaka A, Yakio M, Chen M, Nishimoto S, Uchiyama H, Sue M, Hotta H, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Identification of an antiviral component from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae using transcriptomic and mass spectrometric analyses. Toxicon 2020; 191:25-37. [PMID: 33340503 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of biologically active peptides. Among them, neurotoxins are major components in the venom, but it also contains peptides that show antimicrobial activity. Previously, we identified three insecticidal peptides from the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion, but activities and structures of other venom components remained unknown. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the scorpion L. australasiae to gain a comprehensive understanding of its venom components. The result shows that potassium channel toxin-like peptides were the most diverse, whereas only a limited number of sodium channel toxin-like peptides were observed. In addition to these neurotoxin-like peptides, many non-disulfide-bridged peptides were identified, suggesting that these components have some critical roles in the L. australasiae venom. In this study, we also isolated a component with antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach. By integrating mass spectrometric and transcriptomic data, we successfully identified LaPLA2-1 as an anti-HCV component. LaPLA2-1 is a phospholipase A2 having a heterodimeric structure that is N-glycosylated at the N-terminal region. Since the antiviral activity of LaPLA2-1 was inhibited by a PLA2 inhibitor, the enzymatic activity of LaPLA2-1 is likely to be involved in its antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Naoya Mitani
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kitanaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Mao Yakio
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ming Chen
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nishimoto
- Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Hironobu Uchiyama
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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16
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Blázquez AB, Saiz JC. Potential for Protein Kinase Pharmacological Regulation in Flaviviridae Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9524. [PMID: 33333737 PMCID: PMC7765220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases (PKs) are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of the terminal phosphate group from ATP to a protein acceptor, mainly to serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. PK catalyzed phosphorylation is critical to the regulation of cellular signaling pathways that affect crucial cell processes, such as growth, differentiation, and metabolism. PKs represent attractive targets for drugs against a wide spectrum of diseases, including viral infections. Two different approaches are being applied in the search for antivirals: compounds directed against viral targets (direct-acting antivirals, DAAs), or against cellular components essential for the viral life cycle (host-directed antivirals, HDAs). One of the main drawbacks of DAAs is the rapid emergence of drug-resistant viruses. In contrast, HDAs present a higher barrier to resistance development. This work reviews the use of chemicals that target cellular PKs as HDAs against virus of the Flaviviridae family (Flavivirus and Hepacivirus), thus being potentially valuable therapeutic targets in the control of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Belén Blázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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17
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Sarhan M, El-Bitar AMH, Hotta H. Potent virucidal activity of honeybee "Apis mellifera" venom against Hepatitis C Virus. Toxicon 2020; 188:55-64. [PMID: 33068557 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global viral widespread without an available vaccine to prevent infection. HCV infection can cause serious liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current treatment of HCV infection depends on the FDA approved direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) which have side effects and expensive. Thus, development of a novel, more efficient, along with affordable pricing anti-HCV agents is still required. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the antiviral effects of bee venom (BV) from the honeybee Apis mellifera on the HCV replication life cycle. The crude venom and its components were examined for their anti-HCV activities using Huh7it-1 cultured cells and the JFH1 strain of HCV genotype 2a. Results revealed that BV inhibited HCV infection with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.05 ng/ml, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) being 20,000 ng/ml. The venom directly blocked HCV/cell entry by acting on virus particles in a dose dependent manner, whereas no interference on the host cells. Furthermore, venom showed no inhibitory effect on HCV replication and release. Interestingly, none of the main BV components including the mast cell degranulating peptide (MCD), mpamin, or the small peptides melittin (MLT) showed anti-HCV activity up to 5 μg/ml. In conclusion, these results suggest that BV has a direct virucidal activity against HCV and may exert its antiviral effect through a non-common peptide(s) or toxin complex within the crude venom. Therefore, the crude BV can be considered as a promising candidate for characterization and development of new and natural anti-HCV therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa Sarhan
- Molecular biology lab., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Alaa M H El-Bitar
- Molecular biology lab., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Hak Hotta
- Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan; Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-Ku, Kobe, 654-0142, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, 6-2-23 Morikita-machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan.
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18
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Sabatier JM. Antibacterial Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040142. [PMID: 32224942 PMCID: PMC7235731 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As natural host defense compounds produced by numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic life forms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are now emerging as solid candidate chemotherapeutic drugs to fight against the various types of pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially those resistant to current antibiotics [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, 13005 Marseille, France
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