1
|
Zhao Z, Bashiri S, Ziora ZM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:757. [PMID: 38793638 PMCID: PMC11125726 DOI: 10.3390/v16050757] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has caused millions of infections and fatalities worldwide. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 research has been conducted to develop therapeutic drugs and prophylactic vaccines, and even though some drugs have been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, preventive vaccination has been implemented on a global scale and represents the primary approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved vaccines vary in composition, although vaccine design has been based on either the key viral structural (spike) protein or viral components carrying this protein. Therefore, mutations of the virus, particularly mutations in the S protein, severely compromise the effectiveness of current vaccines and the ability to control COVID-19 infection. This review begins by describing the SARS-CoV-2 viral composition, the mechanism of infection, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the host defence responses against infection and the most common vaccine designs. Next, this review summarizes the common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations change viral properties, confer immune escape and influence vaccine efficacy. Finally, this review discusses global strategies that have been employed to mitigate the decreases in vaccine efficacy encountered against new variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Sahra Bashiri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Zyta M. Ziora
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chugh A, Sehgal I, Khurana N, Verma K, Rolta R, Vats P, Salaria D, Fadare OA, Awofisayo O, Verma A, Phartyal R, Verma M. Comparative docking studies of drugs and phytocompounds for emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:36. [PMID: 36619821 PMCID: PMC9815891 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last three years, COVID-19 has impacted the world with back-to-back waves leading to devastating consequences. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, was first detected in 2019 and since then has spread to 228 countries. Even though the primary focus of research groups was diverted to fight against COVID-19, yet no dedicated drug has been developed to combat the emergent life-threatening medical conditions. In this study, 35 phytocompounds and 43 drugs were investigated for comparative docking analysis. Molecular docking and virtual screening were performed against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein of 13 variants using AutoDock Vina tool 1.5.6 and Discovery Studio, respectively, to identify the most efficient drugs. Selection of the most suitable compounds with the best binding affinity was done after screening for toxicity, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) properties and drug-likeliness. The potential candidates were discovered to be Liquiritin (binding affinities ranging between -7.0 and -8.1 kcal/mol for the 13 variants) and Apigenin (binding affinities ranging between -6.8 and -7.3 kcal/mol for the 13 variants) based on their toxicity and consistent binding affinity with the Spike protein of all variants. The stability of the protein-ligand complex was determined using Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of Apigenin with the Delta plus variant of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, Liquiritin and Apigenin were also found to be less toxic than the presently used drugs and showed promising results based on in silico studies, though, confirmation using in vitro studies is required. This in-depth comparative investigation suggests potential drug candidates to fight against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03450-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Chugh
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Ishita Sehgal
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Nimisha Khurana
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Kangna Verma
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Rajan Rolta
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Pranjal Vats
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Deeksha Salaria
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Olatomide A. Fadare
- Organic Chemistry Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun 220282 Nigeria
| | - Oladoja Awofisayo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, 520003 Nigeria
| | - Anita Verma
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Rajendra Phartyal
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Mansi Verma
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007 India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chrysostomou AC, Vrancken B, Haralambous C, Alexandrou M, Aristokleous A, Christodoulou C, Gregoriou I, Ioannides M, Kalakouta O, Karagiannis C, Koumbaris G, Loizides C, Mendris M, Papastergiou P, Patsalis PC, Pieridou D, Richter J, Schmitt M, Shammas C, Stylianou DC, Themistokleous G, Lemey P, Kostrikis LG. Genomic Epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Cyprus from November 2020 to October 2021: The Passage of Waves of Alpha and Delta Variants of Concern. Viruses 2022; 15:108. [PMID: 36680148 PMCID: PMC9862594 DOI: 10.3390/v15010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has had devastating repercussions for public health. Over the course of this pandemic, the virus has continuously been evolving, resulting in new, more infectious variants that have frequently led to surges of new SARS-CoV-2 infections. In the present study, we performed detailed genetic, phylogenetic, phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses to examine the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus using 2352 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from infected individuals in Cyprus during November 2020 to October 2021. During this period, a total of 61 different lineages and sublineages were identified, with most falling into three groups: B.1.258 & sublineages, Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), and Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages), each encompassing a set of S gene mutations that primarily confer increased transmissibility as well as immune evasion. Specifically, these lineages were coupled with surges of new infections in Cyprus, resulting in the following: the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Cyprus, comprising B.1.258 & sublineages, during late autumn 2020/beginning of winter 2021; the third wave, comprising Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), during spring 2021; and the fourth wave, comprising Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages) during summer 2021. Additionally, it was identified that these lineages were primarily imported from and exported to the UK, Greece, and Sweden; many other migration links were also identified, including Switzerland, Denmark, Russia, and Germany. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus was characterized by successive introduction of new lineages from a plethora of countries, resulting in the generation of waves of infection. Overall, this study highlights the importance of investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the context of Cyprus, as well as the impact of protective measures placed to mitigate transmission of the virus, providing necessary information to safeguard public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Christos Haralambous
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nicosia 1148, Cyprus
| | - Maria Alexandrou
- Microbiology Department, Larnaca General Hospital, Larnaca 6301, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Aristokleous
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Gregoriou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nicosia 1148, Cyprus
| | | | - Olga Kalakouta
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nicosia 1148, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | - Michail Mendris
- Microbiology Department, Limassol General Hospital, Limassol 4131, Cyprus
| | | | - Philippos C. Patsalis
- NIPD Genetics, Nicosia 2409, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Despo Pieridou
- Microbiology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia 2029, Cyprus
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Markus Schmitt
- Eurofins Genomics Sequencing Europe, 85560 Ebersberg, Germany
| | - Christos Shammas
- S.C.I.N.A Bioanalysis Sciomedical Centre Ltd., Limassol 4040, Cyprus
| | - Dora C. Stylianou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leondios G. Kostrikis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
- Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, 60-68 Phaneromenis Street, Nicosia 1011, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ranjbar M, Rahimi A, Baghernejadan Z, Ghorbani A, Khorramdelazad H. Role of CCL2/CCR2 axis in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and possible Treatments: All options on the Table. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109325. [PMID: 36252475 PMCID: PMC9561120 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is cause of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In the last two years, SARS-CoV-2 has infected millions of people worldwide with different waves, resulting in the death of many individuals. The evidence disclosed that the host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 play a pivotal role in COVID-19 pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. In addition to inducing antiviral immune responses, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause dysregulated inflammatory responses characterized by the noticeable release of proinflammatory mediators in COVID-19 patients. Among these proinflammatory mediators, chemokines are considered a subset of cytokines that participate in the chemotaxis process to recruit immune and non-immune cells to the site of inflammation and infection. Researchers have demonstrated that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and its receptor (CCR2) are involved in the recruitment of monocytes and infiltration of these cells into the lungs of patients suffering from COVID-19. Moreover, elevated levels of CCL2 have been reported in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from patients with severe COVID-19, initiating cytokine storm and promoting CD163+ myeloid cells infiltration in the airways and further alveolar damage. Therefore, CCL2/CCR axis plays a key role in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and targeted therapy of involved molecules in this axis can be a potential therapeutic approach for these patients. This review discusses the biology of the CCL2/CCR2 axis as well as the role of this axis in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis, along with therapeutic options aimed at inhibiting CCL2/CCR2 and modulating dysregulated inflammatory responses in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Ranjbar
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rahimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Baghernejadan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Ghorbani
- Department of Biology, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|