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Alonzi T, Aiello A, Sali M, Delogu G, Villella VR, Raia V, Nicastri E, Piacentini M, Goletti D. Multiple antimicrobial and immune-modulating activities of cysteamine in infectious diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117153. [PMID: 39024833 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117153] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major threat to global health and cause millions of deaths every year, particularly in developing countries. The emergence of multidrug resistance challenges current antimicrobial treatments, inducing uncertainty in therapeutic protocols. New compounds are therefore necessary. A drug repurposing approach could play a critical role in developing new treatments used either alone or in combination with standard therapy regimens. Herein, we focused on cysteamine, an aminothiol endogenously synthesized by human cells during the degradation of coenzyme-A, which is a drug approved for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis. Cysteamine influences many biological processes due to the presence of the highly reactive thiol group. This review provides an overview of cysteamine-mediated effects on different viruses, bacteria and parasites, with a particular focus on infections caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Evidences for a potential use of cysteamine as a direct antimicrobial agent and/or a host-directed therapy, either alone or in combination with other antimicrobial drugs, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonino Alonzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aiello
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, India; Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio ed Ematologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS; Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, India; Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
| | - Valeria Rachela Villella
- CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Raia
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Regional Cystic Fibrosis Center, Federico II University Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Calcagno A, Coppola N, Sarmati L, Tadolini M, Parrella R, Matteelli A, Riccardi N, Trezzi M, Di Biagio A, Pirriatore V, Russo A, Gualano G, Pontali E, Surace L, Falbo E, Mencarini J, Palmieri F, Gori A, Schiuma M, Lapadula G, Goletti D. Drugs for treating infections caused by non-tubercular mycobacteria: a narrative review from the study group on mycobacteria of the Italian Society of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine. Infection 2024; 52:737-765. [PMID: 38329686 PMCID: PMC11142973 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02183-3] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are generally free-living organism, widely distributed in the environment, with sporadic potential to infect. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the global incidence of NTM-related disease, spanning across all continents and an increased mortality after the diagnosis has been reported. The decisions on whether to treat or not and which drugs to use are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach as well as patients' involvement in the decision process. METHODS AND RESULTS This review aims at describing the drugs used for treating NTM-associated diseases emphasizing the efficacy, tolerability, optimization strategies as well as possible drugs that might be used in case of intolerance or resistance. We also reviewed data on newer compounds highlighting the lack of randomised clinical trials for many drugs but also encouraging preliminary data for others. We also focused on non-pharmacological interventions that need to be adopted during care of individuals with NTM-associated diseases CONCLUSIONS: Despite insufficient efficacy and poor tolerability this review emphasizes the improvement in patients' care and the needs for future studies in the field of anti-NTM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy.
| | - N Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - L Sarmati
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University and Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tadolini
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Parrella
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Infectious Diseases Unit, Cotugno Hospital, A. O. R. N. dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Matteelli
- Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for TB Prevention, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - N Riccardi
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Trezzi
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - A Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital-IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - V Pirriatore
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, "DivisioneA", Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL CIttà di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - A Russo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - G Gualano
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Infectious Diseases Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Pontali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Surace
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Prevenzione, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catanzaro, Centro di Medicina del Viaggiatore e delle Migrazioni, P. O. Giovanni Paolo II, Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy
| | - E Falbo
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Prevenzione, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catanzaro, Centro di Medicina del Viaggiatore e delle Migrazioni, P. O. Giovanni Paolo II, Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy
| | - J Mencarini
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - F Palmieri
- Respiratory Infectious Diseases Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gori
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco-Ospedale Luigi Sacco-Polo Universitario and Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Schiuma
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco-Ospedale Luigi Sacco-Polo Universitario and Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Lapadula
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - D Goletti
- Stop TB Italy, Milan, Italy
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases-IRCCS L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
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Rossi MN, Matteo V, Diomedi-Camassei F, De Leo E, Devuyst O, Lamkanfi M, Caiello I, Loricchio E, Bellomo F, Taranta A, Emma F, De Benedetti F, Prencipe G. Nlrp2 deletion ameliorates kidney damage in a mouse model of cystinosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373224. [PMID: 38633264 PMCID: PMC11021658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CTNS gene that encodes cystinosin, a ubiquitous lysosomal cystine/H+ antiporter. The hallmark of the disease is progressive accumulation of cystine and cystine crystals in virtually all tissues. At the kidney level, human cystinosis is characterized by the development of renal Fanconi syndrome and progressive glomerular and interstitial damage leading to end-stage kidney disease in the second or third decade of life. The exact molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of renal disease in cystinosis are incompletely elucidated. We have previously shown upregulation of NLRP2 in human cystinotic proximal tubular epithelial cells and its role in promoting inflammatory and profibrotic responses. Herein, we have investigated the role of NLRP2 in vivo using a mouse model of cystinosis in which we have confirmed upregulation of Nlrp2 in the renal parenchyma. Our studies show that double knock out Ctns-/- Nlrp2-/- animals exhibit delayed development of Fanconi syndrome and kidney tissue damage. Specifically, we observed at 4-6 months of age that animals had less glucosuria and calciuria and markedly preserved renal tissue, as assessed by significantly lower levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Also, the mRNA expression of some inflammatory mediators (Cxcl1 and Saa1) and the rate of apoptosis were significantly decreased in 4-6-month old kidneys harvested from Ctns-/- Nlrp2-/- mice compared to those obtained from Ctns-/-mice. At 12-14 months of age, renal histological was markedly altered in both genetic models, although double KO animals had lower degree of polyuria and low molecular weight proteinuria and decreased mRNA expression levels of Il6 and Mcp1. Altogether, these data indicate that Nlrp2 is a potential pharmacological target for delaying progression of kidney disease in cystinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nicoletta Rossi
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Matteo
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Diomedi-Camassei
- Department of Laboratories, Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Ester De Leo
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Lamkanfi
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ivan Caiello
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellomo
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Taranta
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Emma
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Benedetti
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Giusi Prencipe
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
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4
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Trionfetti F, Alonzi T, Bontempi G, Terri M, Battistelli C, Montaldo C, Repele F, Rotili D, Valente S, Zwergel C, Matusali G, Maggi F, Goletti D, Tripodi M, Mai A, Strippoli R. HDAC1-3 inhibition increases SARS-CoV-2 replication and productive infection in lung mesothelial and epithelial cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1257683. [PMID: 38162580 PMCID: PMC10757821 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1257683] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the significant progress achieved in understanding the pathology and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection, still pathogenic and clinical issues need to be clarified. Treatment with modulators of epigenetic targets, i.e., epidrugs, is a current therapeutic option in several cancers and could represent an approach in the therapy of viral diseases. Results Aim of this study was the analysis of the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in the modulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection of mesothelial cells (MCs).MeT5A cells, a pleura MC line, were pre-treated with different specific class I and IIb HDAC inhibitors. Unexpectedly, treatment with HDAC1-3 inhibitors significantly increased ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression, suggesting a role in favoring SARS-CoV-2 infection. We focused our analysis on the most potent ACE2/TMPRSS2 inducer among the inhibitors analysed, MS-275, a HDAC1-3 inhibitor. ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression was validated by Western Blot (WB) and immunofluorescence. The involvement of HDAC inhibition in receptor induction was confirmed by HDAC1/HDAC2 silencing. In accordance to the ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression data, MS-275 increased SARS-CoV-2 replication and virus propagation in Vero E6 cells.Notably, MS-275 was able to increase ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 production, although to a lesser extent, also in the lung adenocarcinoma cell line Calu-3 cells.Mechanistically, treatment with MS-275 increased H3 and H4 histone acetylation at ACE2/TMPRSS2 promoters, increasing their transcription. Conclusion This study highlights a previously unrecognized effect of HDAC1-3 inhibition in increasing SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, replication and productive infection correlating with increased expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These data, while adding basic insight into COVID-19 pathogenesis, warn for the use of HDAC inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonino Alonzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Bontempi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Terri
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Montaldo
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Fraser-Pitt D, Mercer DK, Francis ML, Toledo-Aparicio D, Smith DW, O'Neil DA. Cysteamine-mediated blockade of the glycine cleavage system modulates epithelial cell inflammatory and innate immune responses to viral infection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 677:168-181. [PMID: 37597441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Transient blockade of glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) can restrict de novo pyrimidine synthesis, which is a well-described strategy for enhancing the host interferon response to viral infection and a target pathway for some licenced anti-inflammatory therapies. The aminothiol, cysteamine, is produced endogenously during the metabolism of coenzyme A, and is currently being investigated in a clinical trial as an intervention in community acquired pneumonia resulting from viral (influenza and SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial respiratory infection. Cysteamine is known to inhibit both bacterial and the eukaryotic host glycine cleavage systems via competitive inhibition of GLDC at concentrations, lower than those required for direct antimicrobial or antiviral activity. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that therapeutically achievable concentrations of cysteamine can inhibit glycine utilisation by epithelial cells and improve cell-mediated responses to infection with respiratory viruses, including human coronavirus 229E and Influenza A. Cysteamine reduces interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increases the interferon-λ (IFN-λ) response to viral challenge and in response to liposomal polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) simulant of RNA viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Fraser-Pitt
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Derry K Mercer
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom; Bioaster, LYON (headquarters) 40, Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Louise Francis
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom
| | - David Toledo-Aparicio
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel W Smith
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah A O'Neil
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EW, United Kingdom
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6
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Lin X, Cai L, Cao X, Zhao Y. Stimuli-responsive silk fibroin for on-demand drug delivery. SMART MEDICINE 2023; 2:e20220019. [PMID: 39188280 PMCID: PMC11235688 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive "smart" hydrogel biomaterials have attracted great attention in the biomedical field, especially in designing novel on-demand drug delivery systems. As a handful natural biomaterial approved by US Food and Drug Administration, silk fibroin (SF) has unique high temperature resistance as well as tunable structural composition. These properties make it one of the most ideal candidates for on-demand drug delivery. Meanwhile, recent advances in polymer modification and nanomaterials have fostered the development of various stimuli-responsive delivery systems. Here, we first review the recent advance in designing responsive SF-based delivery systems in different stimulus sources. These systems are able to release mediators in a desired manner in response to specific stimuli in active or passive manners. We then describe applications of these specially designed responsive delivery systems in wound healing, tumor therapy, as well as immunomodulation. We also discuss the future challenges and prospects of stimuli-responsive SF-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lijun Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinyue Cao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast UniversityNanjingChina
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health)Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesWenzhouChina
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7
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Palucci I, Salustri A, De Maio F, Pereyra Boza MDC, Paglione F, Sali M, Occhigrossi L, D’Eletto M, Rossin F, Goletti D, Sanguinetti M, Piacentini M, Delogu G. Cysteamine/Cystamine Exert Anti- Mycobacterium abscessus Activity Alone or in Combination with Amikacin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021203. [PMID: 36674717 PMCID: PMC9866335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-directed therapies are emerging as a promising tool in the curing of difficult-to-treat infections, such as those caused by drug-resistant bacteria. In this study, we aim to test the potential activity of the FDA- and EMA-approved drugs cysteamine and cystamine against Mycobacterium abscessus. In human macrophages (differentiated THP-1 cells), these drugs restricted M. abscessus growth similar to that achieved by amikacin. Here, we use the human ex vivo granuloma-like structures (GLS) model of infection with the M. abscessus rough (MAB-R) and smooth (MAB-S) variants to study the activity of new therapies against M. abscessus. We demonstrate that cysteamine and cystamine show a decrease in the number of total GLSs per well in the MAB-S and MAB-R infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Furthermore, combined administration of cysteamine or cystamine with amikacin resulted in enhanced activity against the two M. abscessus morpho variants compared to treatment with amikacin only. Treatment with cysteamine and cystamine was more effective in reducing GLS size and bacterial load during MAB-S infection compared with MAB-R infection. Moreover, treatment with these two drugs drastically quenched the exuberant proinflammatory response triggered by the MAB-R variant. These findings showing the activity of cysteamine and cystamine against the R and S M. abscessus morphotypes support the use of these drugs as novel host-directed therapies against M. abscessus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Palucci
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio De Maio
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria del Carmen Pereyra Boza
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paglione
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Occhigrossi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela D’Eletto
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rossin
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Preclinical Research, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Translational Research Unit, IRCCS ‘Lazzaro Spallanzani’, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Preclinical Research, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Translational Research Unit, IRCCS ‘Lazzaro Spallanzani’, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Indole-3-carbinol in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-Cov-2 virus and in vivo toxicity. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:491. [PMID: 36522315 PMCID: PMC9751508 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) compound have been described deeply as antitumor drug in multiple cancers. Herein, I3C compound was tested for toxicity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral activity was assessed in vitro in both in VeroE6 cell line and human Lung Organoids (hLORGs) where I3C exhibited a direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication activity with an antiviral effect and a modulation of the expression of genes implicated in innate immunity and inflammatory response was observed at 16.67 μM. Importantly, we further show the I3C is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. In mouse model, instead, we assessed possible toxicity effects of I3C through two different routes of administration: intragastrically (i.g.) and intraperitoneally (i.p.). The LD50 (lethal dose 50%) values in mice were estimated to be: 1410 and 1759 mg/kg i.g.; while estimated values for i.p. administration were: 444.5 mg/kg and 375 mg/kg in male and female mice, respectively. Below these values, I3C (in particular at 550 mg/kg for i.g. and 250 mg/kg for i.p.) induces neither death, nor abnormal toxic symptoms as well as no histopathological lesions of the tissues analysed. These tolerated doses are much higher than those already proven effective in pre-clinical cancer models and in vitro experiments. In conclusion, I3C exhibits a significant antiviral activity, and no toxicity effects were recorded for this compound at the indicated doses, characterizing it as a safe and potential antiviral compound. The results presented in this study could provide experimental pre-clinical data necessary for the start of human clinical trials with I3C for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and beyond.
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MacRaild CA, Mohammed MUR, Faheem, Murugesan S, Styles IK, Peterson AL, Kirkpatrick CMJ, Cooper MA, Palombo EA, Simpson MM, Jain HA, Agarwal V, McAuley AJ, Kumar A, Creek DJ, Trevaskis NL, Vasan SS. Systematic Down-Selection of Repurposed Drug Candidates for COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11851. [PMID: 36233149 PMCID: PMC9569752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than 6.5 million lives worldwide, devastating the economy and overwhelming healthcare systems globally. The development of new drug molecules and vaccines has played a critical role in managing the pandemic; however, new variants of concern still pose a significant threat as the current vaccines cannot prevent all infections. This situation calls for the collaboration of biomedical scientists and healthcare workers across the world. Repurposing approved drugs is an effective way of fast-tracking new treatments for recently emerged diseases. To this end, we have assembled and curated a database consisting of 7817 compounds from the Compounds Australia Open Drug collection. We developed a set of eight filters based on indicators of efficacy and safety that were applied sequentially to down-select drugs that showed promise for drug repurposing efforts against SARS-CoV-2. Considerable effort was made to evaluate approximately 14,000 assay data points for SARS-CoV-2 FDA/TGA-approved drugs and provide an average activity score for 3539 compounds. The filtering process identified 12 FDA-approved molecules with established safety profiles that have plausible mechanisms for treating COVID-19 disease. The methodology developed in our study provides a template for prioritising drug candidates that can be repurposed for the safe, efficacious, and cost-effective treatment of COVID-19, long COVID, or any other future disease. We present our database in an easy-to-use interactive interface (CoviRx that was also developed to enable the scientific community to access to the data of over 7000 potential drugs and to implement alternative prioritisation and down-selection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. MacRaild
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Faheem
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sankaranarayanan Murugesan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ian K. Styles
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Peterson
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Carl M. J. Kirkpatrick
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew A. Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Moana M. Simpson
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Hardik A. Jain
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vinti Agarwal
- Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Alexander J. McAuley
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Portarlington Road, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Land and Water, Waite Campus, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Natalie L. Trevaskis
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Seshadri S. Vasan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Portarlington Road, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Department of Health, 189 Royal Street, East Perth, WA 6004, Australia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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Alonzi T, Aiello A, Repele F, Falasca L, Francalancia M, Garbuglia AR, Delogu G, Nicastri E, Piacentini M, Goletti D. Cysteamine exerts in vitro antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:288. [PMID: 35705564 PMCID: PMC9199336 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) represent a considerable global alarm because their mutations are known to affect transmissibility and cause immune escape. While preventing severe disease and deaths, the available vaccines do not avoid infection; therefore, COVID-19 disease management still requires effective therapies. We have recently reported that the aminothiol cysteamine, a drug already applied to humans, exerts direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and has in vitro immunomodulatory effect. To evaluate whether this compound exerts antiviral effects also against SARS-CoV-2 variants, we performed different infected cell-based assays using Wild type, Delta, or Omicron VOC. We found that cysteamine significantly reduces the cytopathic effect induced by SARS-CoV-2 Wild type strain and Delta variant in Vero E6 cells. On the other hand, cysteamine had no effects on the survival of cells infected with the Omicron variant, due to the lack of cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells, at least when infected at MOI = 0.001 for 72 h. Moreover, cysteamine significantly reduced the production of Wild type, Delta, and Omicron variants as measured by the virus released in the culture media (Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells) and by transmission electron microscopy analysis (Vero E6 cells). Notably, cysteamine is more effective in inhibiting the Omicron rather than Delta or Wild type viruses, with an 80% inhibition of Omicron production compared to 40% of Wild type and Delta variant. Overall, our findings demonstrate that cysteamine exerts direct antiviral actions against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants, in addition to the Wild type virus. Our data further demonstrate that cysteamine is a good candidate as repurposing drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection for the present and, likely, the future VOC and, therefore, it would be important to investigate its clinical relevance in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonino Alonzi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aiello
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Falasca
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy.,Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Delia Goletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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11
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Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Catalano A, Saturnino C, Pellegrino M, Mariconda A, Longo P, Sinicropi MS, Aquaro S. COVID-19 at a Glance: An Up-to-Date Overview on Variants, Drug Design and Therapies. Viruses 2022; 14:573. [PMID: 35336980 PMCID: PMC8950852 DOI: 10.3390/v14030573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the Coronavirus family which caused the worldwide pandemic of human respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Presumably emerging at the end of 2019, it poses a severe threat to public health and safety, with a high incidence of transmission, predominately through aerosols and/or direct contact with infected surfaces. In 2020, the search for vaccines began, leading to the obtaining of, to date, about twenty COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in at least one country. However, COVID-19 continues to spread and new genetic mutations and variants have been discovered, requiring pharmacological treatments. The most common therapies for COVID-19 are represented by antiviral and antimalarial agents, antibiotics, immunomodulators, angiotensin II receptor blockers, bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids. In addition, nutraceuticals, vitamins D and C, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are under study. Finally, drug repositioning, which concerns the investigation of existing drugs for new therapeutic target indications, has been widely proposed in the literature for COVID-19 therapies. Considering the importance of this ongoing global public health emergency, this review aims to offer a synthetic up-to-date overview regarding diagnoses, variants and vaccines for COVID-19, with particular attention paid to the adopted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
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