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Ferreira JC, Fadl S, Cardoso THS, Andrade BS, Melo TS, Silva EMDA, Agarwal A, Turville SJ, Saksena NK, Rabeh WM. Boosting immunity: synergistic antiviral effects of luteolin, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20240617. [PMID: 39045772 PMCID: PMC11327220 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20240617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 was first discovered in 2019 and has disseminated throughout the globe to pandemic levels, imposing significant health and economic burdens. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed, their long-term efficacy and specificity have not been determined, and antiviral drugs remain necessary. Flavonoids, which are commonly found in plants, fruits, and vegetables and are part of the human diet, have attracted considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their antiviral and antimicrobial activities and effects on other biological activities, such as inflammation. The present study uses a combination of biochemical, cellular, molecular dynamics, and molecular docking experiments to provide compelling evidence that the flavonoid luteolin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one) has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) that is synergistically enhanced by magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. The IC50 of luteolin against 2 µM 3CLpro is 78 µM and decreases 10-fold to 7.6 µM in the presence of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C. Thermodynamic stability analyses revealed that luteolin has minimal effects on the structure of 3CLpro, whereas metal ions and vitamin C significantly alter the thermodynamic stability of the protease. Interactome analysis uncovered potential host-virus interactions and functional clusters associated with luteolin activity, supporting the relevance of this flavone for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on luteolin's therapeutic potential and provides insights into its mechanisms of action against SARS-CoV-2. The novel formulation of luteolin, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C may be an effective avenue for treating COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- G42 Healthcare Omics Excellence Center, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arabes Emirates
| | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- UESB - Universidade Estatudal Do Sudoeste da Bahia. Deparmento de Ciencias Biologicas
| | - Tarcisio S Melo
- UESB - Universidade Estatudal Do Sudoeste da Bahia. Deparmento de Ciencias Biologicas
| | | | | | | | - Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3134, Australia
- Aegros Therapeutics Pty Ltd, 5-6 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Chiarelli A, Dobrovolny H. Viral Rebound After Antiviral Treatment: A Mathematical Modeling Study of the Role of Antiviral Mechanism of Action. Interdiscip Sci 2024:10.1007/s12539-024-00643-w. [PMID: 39033482 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-024-00643-w] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The development of antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2 was an important turning point for the pandemic. Availability of safe and effective antivirals has allowed people to return back to normal life. While SARS-CoV-2 antivirals are highly effective at preventing severe disease, there have been concerning reports of viral rebound in some patients after cessation of antiviral treatment. In this study, we use a mathematical model of viral infection to study the potential of different antivirals to prevent viral rebound. We find that antivirals that block production are most likely to result in viral rebound if the treatment time course is not sufficiently long. Since these antivirals do not prevent infection of cells, cells continue to be infected during treatment. When treatment is stopped, the infected cells will begin producing virus at the usual rate. Antivirals that prevent infection of cells are less likely to result in viral rebound since cells are not being infected during treatment. This study highlights the role of antiviral mechanism of action in increasing or reducing the probability of viral rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Chiarelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, 76129, USA
| | - Hana Dobrovolny
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, 76129, USA.
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3
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de Oliveira Só YA, Bezerra KS, Gargano R, Mendonça FLL, Souto JT, Fulco UL, Pereira Junior ML, Junior LAR. In Silico Comparative Analysis of Ivermectin and Nirmatrelvir Inhibitors Interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:755. [PMID: 39062468 PMCID: PMC11274663 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070755] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Exploring therapeutic options is crucial in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Nirmatrelvir, which is a potent inhibitor that targets the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, shows promise as an antiviral treatment. Additionally, Ivermectin, which is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug, has demonstrated effectiveness against the virus in laboratory settings. However, its clinical implications are still debated. Using computational methods, such as molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated how Nirmatrelvir and Ivermectin interacted with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro(A). Calculations using density functional theory were instrumental in elucidating the behavior of isolated molecules, primarily by analyzing the frontier molecular orbitals. Our analysis revealed distinct binding patterns: Nirmatrelvir formed strong interactions with amino acids, like MET49, MET165, HIS41, HIS163, HIS164, PHE140, CYS145, GLU166, and ASN142, showing stable binding, with a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of around 2.0 Å. On the other hand, Ivermectin interacted with THR237, THR239, LEU271, LEU272, and LEU287, displaying an RMSD of 1.87 Å, indicating enduring interactions. Both ligands stabilized Mpro(A), with Ivermectin showing stability and persistent interactions despite forming fewer hydrogen bonds. These findings offer detailed insights into how Nirmatrelvir and Ivermectin bind to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, providing valuable information for potential therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katyanna Sales Bezerra
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-570, Brazil; (K.S.B.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Ricardo Gargano
- Institute of Physics, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (Y.A.d.O.S.); (L.A.R.J.)
| | - Fabio L. L. Mendonça
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.L.L.M.); (M.L.P.J.)
| | - Janeusa Trindade Souto
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-741, Brazil;
| | - Umberto L. Fulco
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-570, Brazil; (K.S.B.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Marcelo Lopes Pereira Junior
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.L.L.M.); (M.L.P.J.)
| | - Luiz Antônio Ribeiro Junior
- Institute of Physics, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (Y.A.d.O.S.); (L.A.R.J.)
- Computational Materials Laboratory, University of Brasília, LCCMat, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil
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4
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Otazu K, Olivos-Ramirez GE, Fernández-Silva PD, Vilca-Quispe J, Vega-Chozo K, Jimenez-Avalos GM, Chenet-Zuta ME, Sosa-Amay FE, Cárdenas Cárdenas RG, Ropón-Palacios G, Dattani N, Camps I. The Malaria Box molecules: a source for targeting the RBD and NTD cryptic pocket of the spike glycoprotein in SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Model 2024; 30:217. [PMID: 38888748 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-06006-y] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, has led to over 500 million infections and more than 6 million deaths globally. There have been limited effective treatments available. The study aims to find a drug that can prevent the virus from entering host cells by targeting specific sites on the virus's spike protein. METHOD We examined 13,397 compounds from the Malaria Box library against two specific sites on the spike protein: the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and a predicted cryptic pocket. Using virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MMPBSA techniques, they evaluated the stability of two compounds. TCMDC-124223 showed high stability and binding energy in the RBD, while TCMDC-133766 had better binding energy in the cryptic pocket. The study also identified that the interacting residues are conserved, which is crucial for addressing various virus variants. The findings provide insights into the potential of small molecules as drugs against the spike protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewin Otazu
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo E Olivos-Ramirez
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Pablo D Fernández-Silva
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Julissa Vilca-Quispe
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karolyn Vega-Chozo
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Frida E Sosa-Amay
- Laboratorio de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Perú
| | | | - Georcki Ropón-Palacios
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Nike Dattani
- HPQC College, Waterloo, Canada.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Ihosvany Camps
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
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Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Vassilaki N, Mpekoulis G, Zouridakis M, Giastas P, Vidali VP, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Dimitriou M, Mavromoustakos T, Tsiodras S, Gorgoulis VG, Karakasiliotis I, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Novel benzimidazole angiotensin receptor blockers with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity equipotent to that of nirmatrelvir: computational and enzymatic studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:437-459. [PMID: 38828744 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2362675] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension worsens outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Sartans, a type of antihypertensive angiotensin receptor blocker-(ARB), reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral and antihypertensive effects of nirmatrelvir, commercial sartans (candesartan, losartan, and losartan carboxylic (Exp3174)), and newly synthesized sartans (benzimidazole-N-biphenyl carboxyl (ACC519C) and benzimidazole-N-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T)), compared to nirmatrelvir, the antiviral component of Paxlovid. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzymatic studies assessed drug effects on ACE2. Antiviral abilities were tested with SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells, and antihypertensive effects were evaluated using angiotensin II-contracted rabbit iliac arteries. RESULTS Benzimidazole-based candesartan and ACC519C showed antiviral activity comparable to nirmatrelvir (95% inhibition). Imidazole-based losartan, Exp3174, and ACC519T were less potent (75%-80% and 50%, respectively), with Exp3174 being the least effective. SPR analysis indicated high sartans-ACE2 binding affinity. Candesartan and nirmatrelvir combined had greater inhibitory and cytopathic effects (3.96%) than individually (6.10% and 5.08%). ACE2 enzymatic assays showed varying effects of novel sartans on ACE2. ACC519T significantly reduced angiotensin II-mediated contraction, unlike nirmatrelvir and ACC519T(2). CONCLUSION This study reports the discovery of a new class of benzimidazole-based sartans that significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2, likely due to their interaction with ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Zouridakis
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Marios Dimitriou
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Faculty of Medicine, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Gorgoulis
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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6
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Quagliata M, Papini AM, Rovero P. Chemically modified antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3541. [PMID: 37699615 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
To date, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a potentially lethal disease. Although both vaccines and specific antiviral drugs have been approved, the search for more specific therapeutic approaches is still ongoing. The infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 consists of several stages, and each one can be selectively blocked to disrupt viral infection. Peptides are a promising class of antiviral compounds, which may be suitably modified to be more stable, more effective, and more selective towards a specific viral replication step. The latter two goals might be obtained by increasing the specificity and/or the affinity of the interaction with a specific target and often imply the stabilization of the secondary structure of the active peptide. This review is focused on modified antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2 acting at different stages of virus replication, including ACE2-RBD interaction, membrane fusion mechanism, and the proteolytic cleavage by different viral proteases. Therefore, the landscape presented herein provides a useful springboard for the design of new and powerful antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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7
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Abdallah IA, Hammad SF, Bedair A, Mansour FR. Homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with HPLC/DAD for determination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir as COVID-19 combination therapy in human plasma. BMC Chem 2023; 17:166. [PMID: 38001530 PMCID: PMC10675862 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01080-4] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The study reports the development of a high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection method to measure the levels of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in human plasma. These two antiviral medications are used for the treatment of COVID-19 and are marketed as Paxlovid®. The method employed sugaring-out induced homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction to improve sensitivity. Optimization of the method was performed using the one variable at a time approach by adjusting several factors such as type of sugar, extractant, amount of sugar, volume of extractant, and pH of the aqueous sample to achieve the highest efficiency. The developed method was validated according to the Food and Drug Administration guidelines and demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, and precision. The range of linearity was from 1000 to 20,000 ng/mL for nirmatrelvir and 200 to 20,000 ng/mL for ritonavir with correlation coefficient values of 0.998 and 0.996, respectively. Selectivity studies revealed that no others peaks appeared in the retention times of the studied drugs. The stability of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir were also investigated through short term and three cycles of freeze-thaw, and both drugs were found stable. This analytical method could be useful for monitoring drug concentrations in patients undergoing treatment with these medications for COVID-19. In this work, for the first time, SULLME was used for the sensitive determination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in biological fluids. The developed method was able to determine both drugs in therapeutic levels with no need to sophisticated techniques like LC-MS. In addition to that, SULLME is considered a simple and green sample preparation in comparison with conventional sample preparation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inas A Abdallah
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897, Monufia, Egypt
| | - Sherin F Hammad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Elgeish Street, The Medical Campus of Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Alaa Bedair
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897, Monufia, Egypt
| | - Fotouh R Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Elgeish Street, The Medical Campus of Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt.
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8
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Karniadakis I, Mazonakis N, Tsioutis C, Papadakis M, Markaki I, Spernovasilis N. Oral Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Literature Review with a Focus on Real-World Evidence. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:662-678. [PMID: 37987399 PMCID: PMC10660858 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines remain the cornerstone of medical prevention and are highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the context of expanding the therapeutic armamentarium against COVID-19, molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) were developed, constituting the first effective oral treatments against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this narrative review, we retrospectively inquired into the clinical trials and real-world studies investigating the efficacy of these agents. Overall, clinical trials and real-world studies have demonstrated the efficacy of both agents in reducing hospitalization and death rates in COVID-19 patients. As per current recommendations, their use is suggested in patients with mild to moderate symptoms who are at high risk of developing severe disease. Nevertheless, limited data exist regarding their efficacy in specific subpopulations, such as immunocompromised patients, those with severe kidney disease, pregnant women, and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Karniadakis
- Cardiff Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK;
| | - Nikolaos Mazonakis
- Internal Medicine Department, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (I.M.)
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenis St., Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Michail Papadakis
- 3rd Internal Medicine Department & Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Nikaia Piraeus “Agios Panteleimon”, 18454 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Ioulia Markaki
- Internal Medicine Department, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (I.M.)
| | - Nikolaos Spernovasilis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, German Oncology Center, Agios Athanasios, Limassol 4108, Cyprus;
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9
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Tian H, Yang C, Song T, Zhou K, Wen L, Tian Y, Tang L, Xu W, Zhang X. Efficacy and safety of paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) in the treatment of COVID-19: An updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2473. [PMID: 37485774 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Our study is aimed to access the efficacy and safety outcomes for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with Paxlovid. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, databases were used to retrieve articles from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2023. Article screening, quality evaluation and data extraction were completed and cross-checked. The meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted using RevMan, StataMP, and TSA software. A total of 42 original articles were included. Overall meta-analysis results showed that for death, hospitalisation, death or hospitalisation, emergency department (ED) visit, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and extra oxygen requirement outcomes, every odds ratio (OR) was <1 and p < 0.05. For rebound outcome, the OR was >1 and p > 0.05. For adverse events (AEs) outcome, the OR was >1 and p < 0.05. In conclusion, Paxlovid effectively reduced the risks of death, hospitalisation, death or hospitalisation, ED visit, ICU admission, and extra oxygen requirement. There was no significant statistical difference considering rebound, but people should pay attention to possible AEs. However, for rebound and AEs outcomes, observations in certain subgroups suggested conclusions contrary to the overall meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis indicated these two outcomes have a risk of false negative or false positive conclusions, so additional original studies are needed for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokun Tian
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Changsen Yang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Tiangang Song
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kechen Zhou
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lequan Wen
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ye Tian
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lirui Tang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Weikai Xu
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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10
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Wang B, Li HJ, Cai MM, Lin ZX, Ou XF, Wu SH, Cai RH, Wei YN, Yang F, Zhu YM, Yang ZF, Zhong NS, Lin L. Antiviral efficacy of RAY1216 monotherapy and combination therapy with ritonavir in patients with COVID-19: a phase 2, single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 63:102189. [PMID: 37692076 PMCID: PMC10484968 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RAY1216, a novel inhibitor of 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods This phase 2, single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included hospitalised patients between August 14, 2022, and September 26, 2022, in Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People's Hospital of Hainan Province) in China with no severe symptoms if they had laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for not more than 120 h (5 days) and a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) cycle threshold (Ct) value of ≤30 for both the open reading frames 1 ab (ORF1ab) and nucleocapsid (N) genes within 72 h before randomisation. Half of the participants (n = 30) were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either RAY1216 or a matched placebo three times a day (TID) for 5 days (15 doses in total), while the other half received RAY1216 plus ritonavir (RAY1216 plus RTV) or a matched placebo every 12 h for 5 days (10 doses in total). The primary endpoint was the time of viral clearance. Secondary outcomes included the changes of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load, the positivity rate of the nucleic acid test, and the recovery time of clinical symptoms. A safety evaluation was performed to record and analyse all adverse events that occurred during and after drug administration as well as any cases in which dosing was halted because of these events. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2200062889. Findings The viral shedding times in the RAY1216 and RAY1216 plus RTV groups were 166 h (95% confidence interval (CI): 140-252) and 155 h (95%CI: 131-203), respectively, which were 100 h (4.2 days) and 112 h (4.6 days) shorter than that of the placebo group, respectively (RAY1216 group vs. Placebo p = 0.0060, RAY1216 plus RTV group vs. Placebo p = 0.0001). At 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h after administration, the viral RNA loads in the RAY1216 and RAY1216 plus RTV groups were significantly less than those of the placebo groups. At 280 h (11.5 days) after administration, the nucleic acid test results in the RAY1216 and RAY1216 plus RTV groups were both negative. The common adverse events related to the investigational drugs were mild and self-limiting laboratory examination abnormalities. Interpretation Our findings suggest that RAY1216 monotherapy and RAY1216 plus ritonavir both demonstrated significant antiviral activity and reduced the duration of COVID-19 while maintaining a satisfactory safety profile. Considering the limited clinical application of RTV, it is recommended to use RAY1216 alone to further verify its efficacy and safety. Funding This study was sponsored by the Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC0868700).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Hai-jun Li
- Guangdong Raynovent Biotech Co, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, PR China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, PR China
| | - Mi-mi Cai
- Department of General Medicine, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Zhao-xin Lin
- Department of Neurology, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Xia-fei Ou
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Shu-hua Wu
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Rui-huan Cai
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Ying-na Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Ya-min Zhu
- Department of General Medicine, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
| | - Zi-feng Yang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Nan-shan Zhong
- National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Sanya Central Hospital (The Third People’s Hospital of Hainan Province), Sanya, Hainan 572000, PR China
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11
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Ivachtchenko AV, Ivashchenko AA, Shkil DO, Ivashchenko IA. Aprotinin-Drug against Respiratory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11173. [PMID: 37446350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311173] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aprotinin (APR) was discovered in 1930. APR is an effective pan-protease inhibitor, a typical "magic shotgun". Until 2007, APR was widely used as an antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory drug in cardiac and noncardiac surgeries for reduction of bleeding and thus limiting the need for blood transfusion. The ability of APR to inhibit proteolytic activation of some viruses leads to its use as an antiviral drug for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections. However, due to incompetent interpretation of several clinical trials followed by incredible controversy in the literature, the usage of APR was nearly stopped for a decade worldwide. In 2015-2020, after re-analysis of these clinical trials' data the restrictions in APR usage were lifted worldwide. This review discusses antiviral mechanisms of APR action and summarizes current knowledge and prospective regarding the use of APR treatment for diseases caused by RNA-containing viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, or as a part of combination antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Ivachtchenko
- ChemDiv Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
- ASAVI LLC, 1835 East Hallandale Blvd #442, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA
| | | | - Dmitrii O Shkil
- ASAVI LLC, 1835 East Hallandale Blvd #442, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA
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12
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Pagliano P, Spera A, Sellitto C, Scarpati G, Folliero V, Piazza O, Franci G, Conti V, Ascione T. Preclinical discovery and development of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combinational therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 and the lessons learned from SARS-COV-2 variants. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1301-1311. [PMID: 37614103 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2248879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid®) represent an oral antiviral therapy approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the promising activity of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir against numerous emerging viruses. This combination consists of nirmatrelvir, a protease reversible inhibitor of coronavirus 3CLpro mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4, and ritonavir, an inhibitor of the CYP3A isoforms that enhances the efficacy of nirmatrelvir by fixing its suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. AREAS COVERED This review comprehensively examines the efficacy of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir through rigorous analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, it thoroughly assesses its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral efficacy against SARS-COV-2 infection, based on the main pre-authorization randomized controlled trials. EXPERT OPINION Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir has a good tolerability profile. Its administration during the early stages of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 holds potential benefits, as it can help prevent the onset of an aberrant immune response that could lead to pulmonary and extra-pulmonary complications. However, its drug - drug interactions can be a factor limiting its use, at least in populations on some chronic therapies, along with the risk of infection relapse after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Pagliano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Annamaria Spera
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Carmine Sellitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Pharmacology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giuliana Scarpati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Anesthesiology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Veronica Folliero
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Microbiology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Ornella Piazza
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Anesthesiology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Microbiology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Unit of Pharmacology, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ascione
- Department of Medicine, Service of Infectious Diseases, Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
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13
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Quagliata M, Stincarelli MA, Papini AM, Giannecchini S, Rovero P. Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2 of Conformationally Constrained Helical Peptides Derived from Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:22665-22672. [PMID: 37387789 PMCID: PMC10275481 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of vaccines, COVID-19 continues to be aggressive, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, the development of a specific therapeutic agent with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is necessary. The infection pathway starts when the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein interacts with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which acts as a host receptor for the RBD expressed on the host cell surface. In this scenario, ACE2 analogs binding to the RBD and preventing the cell entry can be promising antiviral agents. Most of the ACE2 residues involved in the interaction belong to the α1 helix, more specifically to the minimal fragment ACE2(24-42). In order to increase the stability of the secondary structure and thus antiviral activity, we designed different triazole-stapled analogs, changing the position and the number of bridges. The peptide called P3, which has the triazole-containing bridge in the positions 36-40, showed promising antiviral activity at micromolar concentrations assessed by plaque reduction assay. On the other hand, the double-stapled peptide P4 lost the activity, showing that excessive rigidity disfavors the interaction with the RBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Simone Giannecchini
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University
of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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14
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Grigorenko BL, Polyakov IV, Khrenova MG, Giudetti G, Faraji S, Krylov AI, Nemukhin AV. Multiscale Simulations of the Covalent Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Four Compounds and Three Reaction Mechanisms. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:13204-13214. [PMID: 37294056 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We report the results of computational modeling of the reactions of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro) with four potential covalent inhibitors. Two of them, carmofur and nirmatrelvir, have shown experimentally the ability to inhibit MPro. Two other compounds, X77A and X77C, were designed computationally in this work. They were derived from the structure of X77, a non-covalent inhibitor forming a tight surface complex with MPro. We modified the X77 structure by introducing warheads capable of reacting with the catalytic cysteine residue in the MPro active site. The reaction mechanisms of the four molecules with MPro were investigated by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. The results show that all four compounds form covalent adducts with the catalytic cysteine Cys 145 of MPro. From the chemical perspective, the reactions of these four molecules with MPro follow three distinct mechanisms. The reactions are initiated by a nucleophilic attack of the thiolate group of the deprotonated cysteine residue from the catalytic dyad Cys145-His41 of MPro. In the case of carmofur and X77A, the covalent binding of the thiolate to the ligand is accompanied by the formation of the fluoro-uracil leaving group. The reaction with X77C follows the nucleophilic aromatic substitution SNAr mechanism. The reaction of MPro with nirmatrelvir (which has a reactive nitrile group) leads to the formation of a covalent thioimidate adduct with the thiolate of the Cys145 residue in the enzyme active site. Our results contribute to the ongoing search for efficient inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella L Grigorenko
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Igor V Polyakov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Maria G Khrenova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology", Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Goran Giudetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0482, United States
| | - Shirin Faraji
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Anna I Krylov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0482, United States
| | - Alexander V Nemukhin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
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15
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Loos NH, Beijnen JH, Schinkel AH. The inhibitory and inducing effects of ritonavir on hepatic and intestinal CYP3A and other drug-handling proteins. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114636. [PMID: 37004323 PMCID: PMC10065864 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ritonavir, originally developed as HIV protease inhibitor, is widely used as a booster in several HIV pharmacotherapy regimens and more recently in Covid-19 treatment (e.g., Paxlovid). Its boosting capacity is due to the highly potent irreversible inhibition of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3 A enzyme, thereby enhancing the plasma exposure to coadministered drugs metabolized by CYP3A. Typically used booster doses of ritonavir are 100-200 mg once or twice daily. This review aims to address several aspects of this booster drug, including the possibility to use lower ritonavir doses, 20 mg for instance, resulting in partial CYP3A inactivation in patients. If complete CYP3A inhibition is not needed, lower ritonavir doses could be used, thereby reducing unwanted side effects. In this context, there are contradictory reports on the actual recovery time of CYP3A activity after ritonavir discontinuation, but probably this will take at least one day. In addition to ritonavir's CYP3A inhibitory effect, it can also induce and/or inhibit other CYP enzymes and drug transporters, albeit to a lesser extent. Although ritonavir thus exhibits gene induction capacities, with respect to CYP3A activity the inhibition capacity clearly predominates. Another potent CYP3A inhibitor, the ritonavir analog cobicistat, has been reported to lack the ability to induce enzyme and transporter genes. This might result in a more favorable drug-drug interaction profile compared to ritonavir, although the actual benefit appears to be limited. Indeed, ritonavir is still the clinically most used pharmacokinetic enhancer, indicating that its side effects are well manageable, even in chronic administration regimens.
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16
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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17
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Zabidi NZ, Liew HL, Farouk IA, Puniyamurti A, Yip AJW, Wijesinghe VN, Low ZY, Tang JW, Chow VTK, Lal SK. Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Implications on Immune Escape, Vaccination, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040944. [PMID: 37112923 PMCID: PMC10145020 DOI: 10.3390/v15040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a lower fatality rate than its SARS and MERS counterparts. However, the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has given rise to multiple variants with varying pathogenicity and transmissibility, such as the Delta and Omicron variants. Individuals with advanced age or underlying comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are at a higher risk of increased disease severity. Hence, this has resulted in an urgent need for the development of better therapeutic and preventive approaches. This review describes the origin and evolution of human coronaviruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and its variants as well as sub-variants. Risk factors that contribute to disease severity and the implications of co-infections are also considered. In addition, various antiviral strategies against COVID-19, including novel and repurposed antiviral drugs targeting viral and host proteins, as well as immunotherapeutic strategies, are discussed. We critically evaluate strategies of current and emerging vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and their efficacy, including immune evasion by new variants and sub-variants. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 evolution on COVID-19 diagnostic testing is also examined. Collectively, global research and public health authorities, along with all sectors of society, need to better prepare against upcoming variants and future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zawanah Zabidi
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hern Liang Liew
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Isra Ahmad Farouk
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashwini Puniyamurti
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Julian W Tang
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Vincent T K Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Sunil K Lal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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18
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Li J, Wang Y, Solanki K, Atre R, Lavrijsen M, Pan Q, Baig MS, Li P. Nirmatrelvir exerts distinct antiviral potency against different human coronaviruses. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105555. [PMID: 36791846 PMCID: PMC9925195 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Nirmatrelvir is the main component of Paxlovid, an oral antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV-2 infection. Nirmatrelvir targets the main protease (Mpro), which is substantially conserved among different coronaviruses. Here, our molecular docking analysis indicates comparable affinity of nirmatrelvir binding to the Mpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 and three seasonal coronaviruses (OC43, 229E and NL63). However, in cell culture models, we found that nirmatrelvir potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2, OC43 and 229E, but not NL63. The insensitivity of NL63 to nirmatrelvir treatment was demonstrated at both viral replication and infectious titer levels. The antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir against OC43 and 229E was further confirmed in human airway organoids. The combination of nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir exerted differential patterns of antiviral response against OC43 and 229E. These results revealed disparities in the ability of nirmatrelvir to inhibit different coronaviruses, and caution against repurposing of nirmatrelvir as a pan-coronavirus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kundan Solanki
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Rajat Atre
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirza S Baig
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Ozcan A, Keskin O, Sariyar Akbulut B, Ozbek P. Piperidine-based natural products targeting Type IV pili antivirulence: A computational approach. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 119:108382. [PMID: 36463631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Type IV (T4) pilus is among the virulence factors with a key role in serious bacterial diseases. Specifically, in Neisseria meningitidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it determines pathogenicity and causes infection. Here, a computational approach has been pursued to find piperidine-based inhibitor molecules against the elongation ATPase of T4 pili in these two selected pathogens. Using the modeled structures of the PilF and PilB ATPases of N. meningitidis and P. aeruginosa, virtual library screening via molecular docking has returned inhibitor molecule candidates. The dynamics of the best three binders have further been investigated in detail via molecular dynamic simulations. Among these, ligands with COCONUT IDs CNP0030078 and CNP0051517 were found to have higher potential in the inhibition of ATPases based on molecular dynamic simulation analysis and biological activity information. The obtained results will guide future efforts in antivirulence drug development against T4 pili of N. meningitidis and P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslihan Ozcan
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- College of Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berna Sariyar Akbulut
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pemra Ozbek
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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20
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Singh DD, Han I, Choi EH, Yadav DK. A Clinical Update on SARS-CoV-2: Pathology and Development of Potential Inhibitors. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:400-433. [PMID: 36661514 PMCID: PMC9857284 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is highly infectious and causes severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARD), immune suppression, and multi-organ failure. For SARS-CoV-2, only supportive treatment options are available, such as oxygen supportive therapy, ventilator support, antibiotics for secondary infections, mineral and fluid treatment, and a significant subset of repurposed effective drugs. Viral targeted inhibitors are the most suitable molecules, such as ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme-2) and RBD (receptor-binding domain) protein-based inhibitors, inhibitors of host proteases, inhibitors of viral proteases 3CLpro (3C-like proteinase) and PLpro (papain-like protease), inhibitors of replicative enzymes, inhibitors of viral attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine proteinase 2), inhibitors of HR1 (Heptad Repeat 1)-HR2 (Heptad Repeat 2) interaction at the S2 protein of the coronavirus, etc. Targeting the cathepsin L proteinase, peptide analogues, monoclonal antibodies, and protein chimaeras as RBD inhibitors interferes with the spike protein's ability to fuse to the membrane. Targeting the cathepsin L proteinase, peptide analogues, monoclonal antibodies, and protein chimaeras as RBD inhibitors interferes with the spike protein's ability to fuse to the membrane. Even with the tremendous progress made, creating effective drugs remains difficult. To develop COVID-19 treatment alternatives, clinical studies are examining a variety of therapy categories, including antibodies, antivirals, cell-based therapy, repurposed diagnostic medicines, and more. In this article, we discuss recent clinical updates on SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, immunopathology, the new emergence of variant, SARS-CoV-2, various approaches to drug development and treatment options. The development of therapies has been complicated by the global occurrence of many SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Discussion of this manuscript will provide new insight into drug pathophysiology and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desh Deepak Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Ihn Han
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-2-597-0365 (I.H. & D.K.Y.)
| | - Eun-Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of R&D Center, Arontier Co., Seoul 06735, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-2-597-0365 (I.H. & D.K.Y.)
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21
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Chary MA, Barbuto AF, Izadmehr S, Tarsillo M, Fleischer E, Burns MM. COVID-19 Therapeutics: Use, Mechanism of Action, and Toxicity (Xenobiotics). J Med Toxicol 2023; 19:26-36. [PMID: 36525217 PMCID: PMC9756926 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-022-00918-y] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and led to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to develop therapeutics against SARS-Cov-2 led to both new treatments and attempts to repurpose existing medications. Here, we provide a narrative review of the xenobiotics and alternative remedies used or proposed to treat COVID-19. Most repositioned xenobiotics have had neither the feared toxicity nor the anticipated efficacy. Repurposed viral replication inhibitors are not efficacious and frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antiviral medications designed specifically against SARS-CoV-2 may prevent progression to severe disease in at-risk individuals and appear to have a wide therapeutic index. Colloidal silver, zinc, and ivermectin have no demonstrated efficacy. Ivermectin has a wide therapeutic index but is not efficacious and acquiring it from veterinary sources poses additional danger. Chloroquine has a narrow therapeutic index and no efficacy. A companion review covers vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies. Together, these two reviews form an update to our 2020 review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Chary
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alexander F Barbuto
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX, USA
| | - Sudeh Izadmehr
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Tarsillo
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Fleischer
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele M Burns
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Identification of Darunavir Derivatives for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416011. [PMID: 36555652 PMCID: PMC9781983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective antiviral agents that treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are urgently needed around the world. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in virus replication; it also has become an important therapeutic target for the infection of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we have identified Darunavir derivatives that inhibit the 3CLpro through a high-throughput screening method based on a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay in vitro. We found that the compounds 29# and 50# containing polyphenol and caffeine derivatives as the P2 ligand, respectively, exhibited favorable anti-3CLpro potency with EC50 values of 6.3 μM and 3.5 μM and were shown to bind to SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in vitro. Moreover, we analyzed the binding mode of the DRV in the 3CLpro through molecular docking. Importantly, 29# and 50# exhibited a similar activity against the protease in Omicron variants. The inhibitory effect of compounds 29# and 50# on the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro warrants that they are worth being the template to design functionally improved inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19.
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23
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Elagawany M, Elmaaty AA, Mostafa A, Abo Shama NM, Santali EY, Elgendy B, Al-Karmalawy AA. Ligand-based design, synthesis, computational insights, and in vitro studies of novel N-(5-Nitrothiazol-2-yl)-carboxamido derivatives as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2112-2132. [PMID: 35912578 PMCID: PMC9344964 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic provokes scientists to make a prompt development of new effective therapeutic interventions for the battle against SARS-CoV-2. A new series of N-(5-nitrothiazol-2-yl)-carboxamido derivatives were designed and synthesised based on the structural optimisation principle of the SARS-CoV Mpro co-crystallized WR1 inhibitor. Notably, compound 3b achieved the most promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with an IC50 value of 174.7 µg/mL. On the other hand, compounds 3a, 3b, and 3c showed very promising SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 4.67, 5.12, and 11.90 µg/mL, respectively. Compound 3b docking score was very promising (-6.94 kcal/mol) and its binding mode was nearly similar to that of WR1. Besides, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of compound 3b showed its great stability inside the binding pocket until around 40 ns. Finally, a very promising SAR was concluded to help to design more powerful SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elagawany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abo Elmaaty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Noura M. Abo Shama
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Y. Santali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bahaa Elgendy
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Al-Karmalawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
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24
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Progress on COVID-19 Chemotherapeutics Discovery and Novel Technology. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238257. [PMID: 36500347 PMCID: PMC9736643 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel highly contagious and pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through virus-containing droplets and small particles of air pollution, which greatly increases the risk of inhaling these virus particles when people are in close proximity. COVID-19 is spreading across the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to human health and public safety. To date, there are no specific vaccines or effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we focus on the enzyme targets of the virus and host that may be critical for the discovery of chemical compounds and natural products as antiviral drugs, and describe the development of potential antiviral drugs in the preclinical and clinical stages. At the same time, we summarize novel emerging technologies applied to the research on new drug development and the pathological mechanisms of COVID-19.
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25
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Akinosoglou K, Schinas G, Gogos C. Oral Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review on Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir. Viruses 2022; 14:2540. [PMID: 36423149 PMCID: PMC9696049 DOI: 10.3390/v14112540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid development of efficient and safe vaccines against COVID-19, the need to confine the pandemic and treat infected individuals on an outpatient basis has led to the approval of oral antiviral agents. Taking into account the viral kinetic pattern of SARS-CoV-2, it is of high importance to intervene at the early stages of the disease. A protease inhibitor called nirmatrelvir coupled with ritonavir (NMV/r), which acts as a CYP3A inhibitor, delivered as an oral formulation, has shown much promise in preventing disease progression in high-risk patients with no need for supplemental oxygen administration. Real-world data seem to confirm the drug combination's efficacy and safety against all viral variants of concern in adult populations. Although, not fully clarified, viral rebound and recurrence of COVID-19 symptoms have been described following treatment; however, more data on potential resistance issues concerning the Mpro gene, which acts as the drug's therapeutic target, are needed. NMV/r has been a gamechanger in the fight against the pandemic by preventing hospitalizations and halting disease severity; therefore, more research on future development and greater awareness on its use are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Akinosoglou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
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26
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Chen W, Shao Y, Peng X, Liang B, Xu J, Xing D. Review of preclinical data of PF-07304814 and its active metabolite derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1035969. [PMID: 36438815 PMCID: PMC9691842 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1035969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Main protease (Mpro) is a superior target for anti-SARS-COV-2 drugs. PF-07304814 is a phosphate ester prodrug of PF-00835231 that is rapidly metabolized into the active metabolite PF-00835231 by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and then suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication by inhibiting Mpro. PF-07304814 increased the bioavailability of PF-00835231 by enhancing plasma protein binding (PPB). P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors and cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors increased the efficacy of PF-00835231 by suppressing its efflux from target cells and metabolism, respectively. The life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 is approximately 4 h. The mechanisms and efficacy outcomes of PF-00835231 occur simultaneously. PF-00835231 can inhibit not only cell infection (such as Vero E6, 293T, Huh-7.5, HeLa+angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), A549+ACE2, and MRC-5) but also the human respiratory epithelial organ model and animal model infection. PF-07304814 exhibits a short terminal elimination half-life and is cleared primarily through renal elimination. There were no significant adverse effects of PF-07304814 administration in rats. Therefore, PF-07304814 exhibits good tolerability, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety in preclinical trials. However, the Phase 1 data of PF-07304814 were not released. The Phase 2/3 trial of PF-07304814 was also suspended. Interestingly, the antiviral activities of PF-00835231 derivatives (compounds 5–22) are higher than, similar to, or slightly weaker than those of PF-00835231. In particular, compound 22 exhibited the highest potency and had good safety and stability. However, the low solubility of compound 22 limits its clinical application. Prodrugs, nanotechnology and salt form drugs may solve this problem. In this review, we focus on the preclinical data of PF-07304814 and its active metabolite derivatives to hopefully provide knowledge for researchers to study SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingchun Shao
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojin Peng
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Jiazhen Xu, ; Dongming Xing,
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiazhen Xu, ; Dongming Xing,
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27
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Chen W, Liang B, Wu X, Li L, Wang C, Xing D. Advances And Challenges In Using Nirmatrelvir And Its Derivatives Against Sars-Cov-2 Infection. J Pharm Anal 2022; 13:255-261. [PMID: 36345404 PMCID: PMC9628234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
On 22 December 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first Mpro inhibitor, i.e., oral antiviral nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332)/ritonavir (Paxlovid), for the treatment of early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Nirmatrelvir inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection, but high doses or long-term treatment may cause embryonic developmental toxicity and changes in host gene expression. The chiral structure of nirmatrelvir plays a key role in its antiviral activity. Ritonavir boosts the efficacy of nirmatrelvir by inactivating cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) expression and occupying the plasma protein binding sites. Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) inhibitors may increase the efficacy of nirmatrelvir. However, paxlovid has many contraindications. Some patients treated with paxlovid experience a second round of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms soon after recovery. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir metabolites, such as compounds 12−18, is similar to or higher than that of nirmatrelvir. Herein, we review the advances and challenges in using nirmatrelvir and its derivatives with the aim of providing knowledge to drug developers and physicians in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China,Corresponding author
| | - Dongming Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
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28
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Ma L, Li Q, Xie Y, Jianyuan Zhao, Yi D, Guo S, Guo F, Wang J, Yang L, Cen S. Repurposing of HIV/HCV protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro. Antiviral Res 2022; 207:105419. [PMID: 36155070 PMCID: PMC9499987 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen that caused the global COVID-19 outbreak. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in virus replication and has become an ideal target for antiviral drug design. In this work, we have employed bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology to establish a cell-based assay for screening inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, and then applied the assay to screen a collection of known HIV/HCV protease inhibitors. Our results showed that the assay is capable of quantification of the cleavage efficiency of 3CLpro with good reproducibility (Z' factor is 0.59). Using the assay, we found that 9 of 26 protease inhibitors effectively inhibited the activity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, four compounds exhibited the ability to bind to 3CLproin vitro. HCV protease inhibitor simeprevir showed the most potency against 3CLpro with an EC50 vale of 2.6 μM, bound to the active site pocket of 3CLpro in a predicted model, and importantly, exhibited a similar activity against the protease containing the mutations P132H in Omicron variants. Taken together, this work demonstrates the feasibility of using the cell-based BRET assay for screening 3CLpro inhibitors and supports the potential of simeprevir for the development of 3CLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Quanjie Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yongli Xie
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyuan Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Dongrong Yi
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Saisai Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Long Yang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
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29
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Understanding and combating COVID-19 using the biology and chemistry of SARS-CoV-2. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2022; 45:1753-1769. [PMID: 36125525 PMCID: PMC9486761 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from asymptomatic to severe, which could lead to fatality. Like other pathogenic viruses, the infection of SARS-CoV-2 relies on binding its spike glycoprotein to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2). Molecular studies suggested that there is a high affinity between the spike glycoprotein and ACE 2 that might arise due to their hydrophobic interaction. This property is mainly responsible for making this virus highly infectious. Apart from this, the transmissibility of the virus, prolonged viability in certain circumstances, and rapid mutations also contributed to the current pandemic situation. Nanotechnology provides potential alternative solutions to combat COVID-19 with the development of i. nanomaterial-based COVID-19 detection technology, ii. nanomaterial-based disinfectants, iii. nanoparticle-based vaccines, and iv. nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Hence, this review provides diverse insight into understanding COVID-19.
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30
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Fluorine Atoms on C 6H 5-Corrole Affect the Interaction with M pro and PL pro Proteases of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular Docking and 2D-QSAR Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810936. [PMID: 36142848 PMCID: PMC9505658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro, also known as main protease—Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been used as the main targets for screening potential synthetic inhibitors for posterior in vitro evaluation of the most promising compounds. In this sense, the present work reports for the first time the evaluation of the interaction between Mpro/PLpro with a series of 17 porphyrin analogues-corrole (C1), meso-aryl-corrole (C2), and 15 fluorinated-meso-aryl-corrole derivatives (C3–C17) via molecular docking calculations. The impact of fluorine atoms on meso-aryl-corrole structure was also evaluated in terms of binding affinity and physical-chemical properties by two-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (2D-QSAR). The presence of phenyl moieties increased the binding capacity of corrole for both proteases and depending on the position of fluorine atoms might impact positively or negatively the binding capacity. For Mpro the para-fluorine atoms might decrease drastically the binding capacity, while for PLpro there was a certain increase in the binding affinity of fluorinated-corroles with the increase of fluorine atoms into meso-aryl-corrole structure mainly from tri-fluorinated insertions. The 2D-QSAR models indicated two separated regions of higher and lower affinity for Mpro:C1–C17 based on dual electronic parameters (σI and σR), as well as one model was obtained with a correlation between the docking score value of Mpro:C2–C17 and the corresponding 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the sp2 carbon atoms (δC-1 and δC-2) of C2–C17. Overall, the fluorinated-meso-aryl-corrole derivatives showed favorable in silico parameters as potential synthetic compounds for future in vitro assays on the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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Negru PA, Miculas DC, Behl T, Bungau AF, Marin RC, Bungau SG. Virtual screening of substances used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and analysis of compounds with known action on structurally similar proteins from other viruses. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113432. [PMID: 36076487 PMCID: PMC9289048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is considered the etiological agent of the disease that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, and for which there is currently no effective treatment. This pandemic has shown that the rapid identification of therapeutic compounds is critical (when a new virus with high transmissibility occurs) to prevent or reduce as much as possible the loss of human lives. To meet the urgent need for drugs, many strategies were applied for the discovery, respectively the identification of potential therapies / drugs for SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking and virtual screening are two of the in silico tools/techniques that provided the identification of few SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, removing ineffective or less effective drugs and thus preventing the loss of resources such as time and additional costs. The main target of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of how in-silico tools have been used in the crisis management of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, especially in virtual screening of substances used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and analysis of compounds with known action on structurally similar proteins from other viruses; also, completions were added to the way in which these methods came to meet the requirements of biomedical research in the field. Moreover, the importance and impact of the topic approached for researchers was highlighted by conducting an extensive bibliometric analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Andrei Negru
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Denisa Claudia Miculas
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Alexa Florina Bungau
- Medicine Programm of Study, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ruxandra-Cristina Marin
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania.
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Loos NHC, Beijnen JH, Schinkel AH. The Mechanism-Based Inactivation of CYP3A4 by Ritonavir: What Mechanism? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179866. [PMID: 36077262 PMCID: PMC9456214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ritonavir is the most potent cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitor in clinical use and is often applied as a booster for drugs with low oral bioavailability due to CYP3A4-mediated biotransformation, as in the treatment of HIV (e.g., lopinavir/ritonavir) and more recently COVID-19 (Paxlovid or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). Despite its clinical importance, the exact mechanism of ritonavir-mediated CYP3A4 inactivation is still not fully understood. Nonetheless, ritonavir is clearly a potent mechanism-based inactivator, which irreversibly blocks CYP3A4. Here, we discuss four fundamentally different mechanisms proposed for this irreversible inactivation/inhibition, namely the (I) formation of a metabolic-intermediate complex (MIC), tightly coordinating to the heme group; (II) strong ligation of unmodified ritonavir to the heme iron; (III) heme destruction; and (IV) covalent attachment of a reactive ritonavir intermediate to the CYP3A4 apoprotein. Ritonavir further appears to inactivate CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 with similar potency, which is important since ritonavir is applied in patients of all ethnicities. Although it is currently not possible to conclude what the primary mechanism of action in vivo is, it is unlikely that any of the proposed mechanisms are fundamentally wrong. We, therefore, propose that ritonavir markedly inactivates CYP3A through a mixed set of mechanisms. This functional redundancy may well contribute to its overall inhibitory efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H. C. Loos
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Division of Pharmacology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos H. Beijnen
- Faculty of Science, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Division of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred H. Schinkel
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Division of Pharmacology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-205122046
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Yip TCF, Lui GCY, Lai MSM, Wong VWS, Tse YK, Ma BHM, Hui E, Leung MKW, Chan HLY, Hui DSC, Wong GLH. Impact of the Use of Oral Antiviral Agents on the Risk of Hospitalization in Community Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients (COVID-19). Clin Infect Dis 2022; 76:e26-e33. [PMID: 36031408 PMCID: PMC9452147 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in reducing hospitalization and deaths in a real-world cohort of nonhospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS This was a territory-wide retrospective cohort study in Hong Kong. Nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients who attended designated outpatient clinics between 16 February and 31 March 2022 were identified. Patients hospitalized on the day of the first clinic appointment or used both oral antivirals were excluded. The primary endpoint was hospitalization. The secondary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation use, and/or death. RESULTS Of 93 883 patients, 83 154 (88.6%), 5808 (6.2%), and 4921 (5.2%) were oral antiviral nonusers, molnupiravir users, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users, respectively. Compared with nonusers, oral antiviral users were older and had more comorbidities, lower complete vaccination rate, and more hospitalizations in the previous year. Molnupiravir users were older and had more comorbidities, lower complete vaccination rate, and more hospitalizations in the previous year than nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users. At a median follow-up of 30 days, 1931 (2.1%) patients were hospitalized and 225 (0.2%) patients developed the secondary endpoint. After propensity score weighting, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use (weighted hazard ratio 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.95; P = .011) but not molnupiravir use (weighted hazard ratio 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.39; P = .062) was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization than nonusers. The use of molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was not associated with a lower risk of the secondary endpoint as compared with nonusers. CONCLUSION Use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir but not molnupiravir was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization in real-world nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mandy Sze Man Lai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics,Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC)
| | - Vincent Wai Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics,Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC),Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care
| | - Yee Kit Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics,Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC),Institute of Digestive Disease
| | | | - Elsie Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
| | - Maria KW Leung
- Department of Family Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
| | - Henry Lik Yuen Chan
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC),Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong,Department of Internal Medicine, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - David Shu Cheong Hui
- Co-correspondence: Grace Lai-Hung Wong, MBChB(Hons, CUHK), MD(CUHK), FRCP(Lond, Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM(Medicine), David Shu-Cheong Hui, MBBS (UNSW); MD(UNSW); FRACP; FRCP (Lond, Glasg, Edin); FHKCP; FHKAM(Medicine), Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, 9/F Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. Telephone: 852-2632-3538, Fax:852-2637-3852, ,
| | - Grace Lai Hung Wong
- Co-correspondence: Grace Lai-Hung Wong, MBChB(Hons, CUHK), MD(CUHK), FRCP(Lond, Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM(Medicine), David Shu-Cheong Hui, MBBS (UNSW); MD(UNSW); FRACP; FRCP (Lond, Glasg, Edin); FHKCP; FHKAM(Medicine), Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, 9/F Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. Telephone: 852-2632-3538, Fax:852-2637-3852, ,
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Ben Hlima H, Farhat A, Akermi S, Khemakhem B, Ben Halima Y, Michaud P, Fendri I, Abdelkafi S. In silico evidence of antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease of oligosaccharides from Porphyridium sp. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155580. [PMID: 35500710 PMCID: PMC9052773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has created an urgent need to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment. In this context, therapies against protease Mpro, a conserved viral target, would be essential to contain the spread of the virus and reduce mortality. Using combined techniques of structure modelling, in silico docking and pharmacokinetics prediction, many compounds from algae were tested for their ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and compared to the recent recognized drug Paxlovid. The screening of 27 algal molecules including 15 oligosaccharides derived from sulfated and non-sulphated polysaccharides, eight pigments and four poly unsaturated fatty acids showed high affinities to interact with the protein active site. Best candidates showing high docking scores in comparison with the reference molecule were sulfated tri-, tetra- and penta-saccharides from Porphyridium sp. exopolysaccharides (SEP). Structural and energetic analyses over 100 ns MD simulation demonstrated high SEP fragments-Mpro complex stability. Pharmacokinetics predictions revealed the prospects of the identified molecules as potential drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ameny Farhat
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sarra Akermi
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules of the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bassem Khemakhem
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Youssef Ben Halima
- RIADI Labs, National School of Computer Science, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
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A Review with Updated Perspectives on the Antiviral Potentials of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Their Prospects in Antiviral Therapy. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081287. [PMID: 36013466 PMCID: PMC9410304 DOI: 10.3390/life12081287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exploration of the traditional medicinal plants is essential for drug discovery and development for various pharmacological targets. Various phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants were extensively studied for antiviral activity. This review aims to highlight the role of medicinal plants against viral infections that remains to be the leading cause of human death globally. Antiviral properties of phytoconstituents isolated from 45 plants were discussed for five different types of viral infections. The ability of the plants’ active compounds with antiviral effects was highlighted as well as their mechanism of action, pharmacological studies, and toxicological data on a variety of cell lines. The experimental values, such as IC50, EC50, CC50, ED50, TD50, MIC100, and SI of the active compounds, were compiled and discussed to determine their potential. Among the plants mentioned, 11 plants showed the most promising medicinal plants against viral infections. Sambucus nigra and Clinacanthus nutans manifested antiviral activity against three different types of viral infections. Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea augustofolia, Echinacea pallida, Plantago major, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Camellia sinensis, and Cistus incanus exhibited antiviral activity against two different types of viral infections. Interestingly, Nicotiana benthamiana showed antiviral effects against mosquito-borne infections. The importance of phenolic acids, alkamides, alkylamides, glycyrrhizin, epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), protein-based plant-produced ZIKV Envelope (PzE), and anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibody was also reviewed. An exploratory approach to the published literature was conducted using a variety of books and online databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed Central, with the goal of obtaining, compiling, and reconstructing information on a variety of fundamental aspects, especially regarding medicinal plants. This evaluation gathered important information from all available library databases and Internet searches from 1992 to 2022.
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Bitam S, Hamadache M, Hanini S. 2D-QSAR, docking, molecular dynamics, studies of PF-07321332 analogues to identify alternative inhibitors against 3CL pro enzyme in SARS-CoV disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35983623 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2113822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Given the results of the Pfizer-developed inhibitor PF-07321332 in the treatment of the SARS-Covid-19 epidemic, we aimed to identify potential alternatives to this compound by utilizing various methods; we developed 2 D-QSAR models to predict the therapeutic activity of 78 analogues of PF-07321332, three statistical learning techniques including (MLP-ANN), (SVR), and (MLR) were exploited. Various validation approaches were applied to the three models developed following the use of five most relevant descriptors. The study of the characteristics of these descriptors proved that the inhibitory activity of PF-07321332 analogues is specifically affected by the structure of the molecule, its polarizability, and by the hydrogen bonds. The best model, named MLP-ANN (with a 5-3-1 architecture), was selected on the basis of the following statistical parameters: r2 = 0.922, Q2 = 0.921. In addition, we performed a molecular docking and a molecular dynamics analysis of these compounds. The obtained results confirm that compound 8 can be a good alternative for compound PF-07321332.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Bitam
- Faculté de Technologie, Département du Génie des Procédés et Environnement, Laboratoire des Biomatériaux et Phénomènes de Transport (LBMPT), Université de Médéa, Médéa, Algérie
| | - Mabrouk Hamadache
- Faculté de Technologie, Département du Génie des Procédés et Environnement, Laboratoire des Biomatériaux et Phénomènes de Transport (LBMPT), Université de Médéa, Médéa, Algérie
| | - Salah Hanini
- Faculté de Technologie, Département du Génie des Procédés et Environnement, Laboratoire des Biomatériaux et Phénomènes de Transport (LBMPT), Université de Médéa, Médéa, Algérie
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Alvarado YJ, Olivarez Y, Lossada C, Vera-Villalobos J, Paz JL, Vera E, Loroño M, Vivas A, Torres FJ, Jeffreys LN, Hurtado-León ML, González-Paz L. Interaction of the new inhibitor paxlovid (PF-07321332) and ivermectin with the monomer of the main protease SARS-CoV-2: A volumetric study based on molecular dynamics, elastic networks, classical thermodynamics and SPT. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 99:107692. [PMID: 35640480 PMCID: PMC9107165 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the study of drugs, most notably ivermectin and more recently Paxlovid (PF-07321332) which is in phase III clinical trials with experimental data showing covalent binding to the viral protease Mpro. Theoretical developments of catalytic site-directed docking support thermodynamically feasible non-covalent binding to Mpro. Here we show that Paxlovid binds non-covalently at regions other than the catalytic sites with energies stronger than reported and at the same binding site as the ivermectin B1a homologue, all through theoretical methodologies, including blind docking. We volumetrically characterize the non-covalent interaction of the ivermectin homologues (avermectins B1a and B1b) and Paxlovid with the mMpro monomer, through molecular dynamics and scaled particle theory (SPT). Using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT), we estimated the electric dipole moment fluctuations at the surface of each of complex involved in this study, with similar trends to that observed in the interaction volume. Using fluctuations of the intrinsic volume and the number of flexible fragments of proteins using anisotropic and Gaussian elastic networks (ANM+GNM) suggests the complexes with ivermectin are more dynamic and flexible than the unbound monomer. In contrast, the binding of Paxlovid to mMpro shows that the mMpro-PF complex is the least structurally dynamic of all the species measured in this investigation. The results support a differential molecular mechanism of the ivermectin and PF homologues in the mMpro monomer. Finally, the results showed that Paxlovid despite beingbound in different sites through covalent or non-covalent forms behaves similarly in terms of its structural flexibility and volumetric behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ysaias José Alvarado
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Investigación y Tecnología de Materiales (CITeMA), Laboratorio de Caracterización Molecular y Biomolecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
| | - Yosmari Olivarez
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Carla Lossada
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Investigación y Tecnología de Materiales (CITeMA), Laboratorio de Caracterización Molecular y Biomolecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Joan Vera-Villalobos
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Departamento de Química y Ciencias Ambientales, Laboratorio de Análisis Químico Instrumental (LAQUINS), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - José Luis Paz
- Departamento Académico de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Eddy Vera
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Marcos Loroño
- Departamento Académico de Química Analítica e Instrumental, Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandro Vivas
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Fernando Javier Torres
- Grupo de Química Computacional y Teórica (QCT-UR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Química Computacional y Teórica (QCT-USFQ), Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Laura N Jeffreys
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - María Laura Hurtado-León
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Lenin González-Paz
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Estudios Botanicos y Agroforestales, (CEBA), Laboratorio de Proteccion Vegetal, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
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Moore GJ, Ridgway H, Kelaidonis K, Chasapis CT, Ligielli I, Mavromoustakos T, Bojarska J, Matsoukas JM. Actions of Novel Angiotensin Receptor Blocking Drugs, Bisartans, Relevant for COVID-19 Therapy: Biased Agonism at Angiotensin Receptors and the Beneficial Effects of Neprilysin in the Renin Angiotensin System. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27154854. [PMID: 35956801 PMCID: PMC9369639 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) used in the treatment of hypertension and potentially in SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibit inverse agonist effects at angiotensin AR1 receptors, suggesting the receptor may have evolved to accommodate naturally occurring angiotensin ‘antipeptides’. Screening of the human genome has identified a peptide (EGVYVHPV) encoded by mRNA, complementary to that encoding ANG II itself, which is an inverse agonist. Thus, opposite strands of DNA encode peptides with opposite effects at AR1 receptors. Agonism and inverse agonism at AR1 receptors can be explained by a receptor ‘switching’ between an activated state invoking receptor dimerization/G protein coupling and an inverse agonist state mediated by an alternative/second messenger that is slow to reverse. Both receptor states appear to be driven by the formation of the ANG II charge-relay system involving TyrOH-His/imidazole-Carboxylate (analogous to serine proteases). In this system, tyrosinate species formed are essential for activating AT1 and AT2 receptors. ANGII is also known to bind to the zinc-coordinated metalloprotease angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) used by the COVID-19 virus to enter cells. Here we report in silico results demonstrating the binding of a new class of anionic biphenyl-tetrazole sartans (‘Bisartans’) to the active site zinc atom of the endopeptidase Neprilysin (NEP) involved in regulating hypertension, by modulating humoral levels of beneficial vasoactive peptides in the RAS such as vasodilator angiotensin (1–7). In vivo and modeling evidence further suggest Bisartans can inhibit ANG II-induced pulmonary edema and may be useful in combatting SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2-mediated viral entry to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J. Moore
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, New Mexico, NM 88056, USA
| | | | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Joanna Bojarska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); (J.M.M.)
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Liu C, Zhu M, Cao L, Boucetta H, Song M, Hang T, Lu Y. Simultaneous determination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its pharmacokinetic application in healthy Chinese subjects. Biomed Chromatogr 2022; 36:e5456. [PMID: 35881032 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Paxlovid, a co-packaged medication of nirmatrelvir tablets (150 mg) and ritonavir tablets (100 mg) developed by Pfizer, is one of the first orally accessible COVID-19 antiviral medicines to be approved for the emergency usage. In this research, an efficient LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determining nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in human plasma was established and validated with remdesivir as an internal standard. Chromatographic separations were carried out on a Thermo BDS Hypersil C18 (4.6mm×100, 2.4μm) column using deionized water and methanol as mobile phase, both added with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. Based on the positive electrospray ionization mode, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir were analyzed by selective reaction monitoring. Excellent precision, accuracy, recovery, and linearity were demonstrated covering the range of 50-5000 ng/mL for nirmatrelvir and 10-1000 ng/mL for ritonavir. Then, the established method was utilized to the pharmacokinetic profile of Paxlovid in healthy Chinese subjects. The Pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax , Tmax , t1/2 and AUC0-∞ of western subjects correspond well with the results of this pharmacokinetic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Liu
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miqun Zhu
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyun Cao
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hamza Boucetta
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Song
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taijun Hang
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- China National Narcotics Control Commission-China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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40
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Abdizadeh R, Hadizadeh F, Abdizadeh T. Evaluation of apigenin-based biflavonoid derivatives as potential therapeutic agents against viral protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 via molecular docking, molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-31. [PMID: 35848354 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2098821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic COVID-19 disease that affects human respiratory function. Despite the scientific progression made in the development of the vaccine, there is an urgent need for the discovery of antiviral drugs for better performance at different stages of SARS-CoV-2 reproduction. The main protease (Mpro or 3CLpro) plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of the virus, making it an attractive target for the development of antiviral agents effective against the new strains of coronaviruses (CoVs). In this study, a series of apigenin-based natural biflavonoid derivatives as potential inhibitors of coronaviruses 3CLpro was investigated by in silico approaches. For this purpose, the molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction of the natural biflavonoids with SARS-Cov-2 main protease and for further investigation, docking to the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Based on docking scores and comparison with the reference inhibitors (ritonavir and lopinavir), more than half of the biflavonoids had strong interactions with the residues of the binding pocket of the coronaviruses 3CLpro and exhibited better binding affinities toward the main protease than ritonavir and lopinavir. The top biflavonoids were further explored through molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy calculation and residual energy contributions estimated by the MM-PBSA. Also, drug likeness property investigation by Swiss ADME tools and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. The results confirmed that the 3CLpro-amentoflavone, 3CLpro-bilobetin, 3CLpro-ginkgetin, and 3CLpro-sotetsuflavone complexes possess a large amount of dynamic properties such as high stability, significant binding energy and fewer conformation fluctuations. Also, the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness studies and HOMO-LUMO and DFT descriptor values indicated a promising result of the selected natural biflavonoids. Overall findings indicate that the apigenin-based biflavonoids may inhibit COVID-19 by significant interactions in the binding pocket and those results can pave the way in drug discovery although the effectiveness of these bioactive compounds should be further validated by in-vitro and in-vivo investigations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahman Abdizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tooba Abdizadeh
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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41
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Komiyama M. Molecular Mechanisms of the Medicines for COVID-19. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2022. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20220179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Komiyama
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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42
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Marzi M, Vakil MK, Bahmanyar M, Zarenezhad E. Paxlovid: Mechanism of Action, Synthesis, and In Silico Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7341493. [PMID: 35845944 PMCID: PMC9283023 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7341493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the discovery and description of PF-07321332, a major bioavailable oral SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor with in vitro human coronavirus antiviral activity, and excellent selection of off-target and in vivo immune profiles are reported. Various drugs and novel compound candidates for the treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic have been developed. PF-07321332 (or nirmatrelvir) is a new oral antiviral drug developed by Pfizer. In response to the pandemic, Pfizer has developed the COVID vaccine and in 2022 will launch its new major anti-SARS-Cov-2 protease inhibitor (PI). The combination of ritonavir and nirmatrelvir is under study in phase III of the clinical trial with a brand name Paxlovid. Paxlovid is an active 3Cl protease inhibitor. Paxlovid exerts its antiviral efficacy by inhibiting a necessary protease in the viral replication procedure. Proteases of coronavirus cleave several sites in the viral polyprotein where pyrrolidone was replaced by flexible glutamine. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is high demand for synthesis and development of this novel drug. Herein, we report the synthetic route and the mechanism of action was recently published on nirmatrelvir. Also, a comparison of the performance of two new oral antiviruses (molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir) for the treatment of COVID-19 is described. This review will be helpful for different disciplines such as biochemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrokh Marzi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazem Vakil
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Maryam Bahmanyar
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Chang CC, Hsu HJ, Wu TY, Liou JW. Computer-aided discovery, design, and investigation of COVID-19 therapeutics. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:276-286. [PMID: 35912059 PMCID: PMC9333103 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_318_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently the most serious public health threat faced by mankind. Thus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is being intensively investigated. Several vaccines are now available for clinical use. However, owing to the highly mutated nature of RNA viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 is changing at a rapid speed. Breakthrough infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants have been seen in vaccinated individuals. As a result, effective therapeutics for treating COVID-19 patients is urgently required. With the advance of computer technology, computational methods have become increasingly powerful in the biomedical research and pharmaceutical drug discovery. The applications of these techniques have largely reduced the costs and simplified processes of pharmaceutical drug developments. Intensive and extensive studies on SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been carried out and three-dimensional structures of the major SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been resolved and deposited in the Protein Data Bank. These structures provide the foundations for drug discovery and design using the structure-based computations, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In this review, introduction to the applications of computational methods in the discovery and design of novel drugs and repurposing of existing drugs for the treatments of COVID-19 is given. The examples of computer-aided investigations and screening of COVID-19 effective therapeutic compounds, functional peptides, as well as effective molecules from the herb medicines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chun Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Jen Hsu
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Yuan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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44
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Islam T, Hasan M, Rahman MS, Islam MR. Comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid-19 patients. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e671. [PMID: 35734340 PMCID: PMC9194463 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Vaccines are the first line of defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, the antiviral drugs provide a new tool to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Here we aimed for a comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid-19 patients. Methods We searched in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and terms such as Covid, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus disease 2019, therapeutic management, hospitalized Covid-19 patients, Covid-19 treatment. We also gathered information from reputed newspapers, web portals, and websites. We thoroughly observed, screened, and included the studies relevant to our inclusion criteria. We included only the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized drugs for this review. Results We found that molnupiravir and paxlovid are available for oral use, and remdesivir is for only hospitalized patients. Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor (ritonavir increases the concentration of nirmatrelvir), and the other two (remdesivir and molnupiravir) are nucleoside analog prodrugs. Remdesivir and molnupiravir doses do not need to adjust in renal and hepatic impairment. However, the paxlovid dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal or hepatic impaired patients. Also, the drug is not allowed for Covid-19 patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Preliminary studies showed oral antiviral drugs significantly reduce hospitalization or death among mild to severe patients. Moreover, the US FDA has approved four monoclonal antibodies for Covid-19 treatment. Studies suggest that these drugs would reduce the risk of hospitalization or severity of symptoms. World Health Organization strongly recommended the use of corticosteroids along with other antiviral drugs for severe or critically hospitalized patients. Conclusion All authorized drugs are effective in inhibiting viral replication for most SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, along with vaccines, these drugs might potentially aid in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Towhidul Islam
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Asia PacificDhakaBangladesh
| | - Moynul Hasan
- Department of PharmacyJagannath UniversityDhakaBangladesh
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Sanachai K, Somboon T, Wilasluck P, Deetanya P, Wolschann P, Langer T, Lee VS, Wangkanont K, Rungrotmongkol T, Hannongbua S. Identification of repurposing therapeutics toward SARS-CoV-2 main protease by virtual screening. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269563. [PMID: 35771802 PMCID: PMC9246117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes the current global pandemic coronavirus disease 2019. Widely-available effective drugs could be a critical factor in halting the pandemic. The main protease (3CLpro) plays a vital role in viral replication; therefore, it is of great interest to find inhibitors for this enzyme. We applied the combination of virtual screening based on molecular docking derived from the crystal structure of the peptidomimetic inhibitors (N3, 13b, and 11a), and experimental verification revealed FDA-approved drugs that could inhibit the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2. Three drugs were selected using the binding energy criteria and subsequently performed the 3CLpro inhibition by enzyme-based assay. In addition, six common drugs were also chosen to study the 3CLpro inhibition. Among these compounds, lapatinib showed high efficiency of 3CLpro inhibition (IC50 value of 35 ± 1 μM and Ki of 23 ± 1 μM). The binding behavior of lapatinib against 3CLpro was elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations. This drug could well bind with 3CLpro residues in the five subsites S1’, S1, S2, S3, and S4. Moreover, lapatinib’s key chemical pharmacophore features toward SAR-CoV-2 3CLpro shared important HBD and HBA with potent peptidomimetic inhibitors. The rational design of lapatinib was subsequently carried out using the obtained results. Our discovery provides an effective repurposed drug and its newly designed analogs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonpan Sanachai
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tuanjai Somboon
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Wilasluck
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peerapon Deetanya
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peter Wolschann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Kittikhun Wangkanont
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (KW); (TR); (SH)
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (KW); (TR); (SH)
| | - Supot Hannongbua
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (KW); (TR); (SH)
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Farooq M, Khan AW, Ahmad B, Kim MS, Choi S. Therapeutic Targeting of Innate Immune Receptors Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:915565. [PMID: 35847031 PMCID: PMC9280161 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.915565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of host's defense against invading pathogens. Multiple cellular sensors that detect viral components can induce innate antiviral immune responses. As a result, interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced which help in the elimination of invading viruses. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to Coronaviridae family, and has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. It can infect multiple hosts; in humans, it is responsible for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Successful, timely, and appropriate detection of SARS-CoV-2 can be very important for the early generation of the immune response. Several drugs that target the innate immune receptors as well as other signaling molecules generated during the innate immune response are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying host sensing and innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the role of innate immune receptors in terms of their therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we discussed the drugs undergoing clinical trials and the FDA approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2. This review will help in understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and innate immune receptors and thus will point towards new dimensions for the development of new therapeutics, which can be beneficial in the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Farooq
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Abdul Waheed Khan
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Moon Suk Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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Adibzadeh S, Amiri S, Nia GE, Taleghani MR, Bijarpas ZK, Maserat N, Maali A, Azad M, Behzad-Behbahani A. Therapeutic approaches and vaccination in fighting COVID-19 infections: A review. GENE REPORTS 2022; 27:101619. [PMID: 35530725 PMCID: PMC9066810 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a remarkably contagious and pathogenic viral infection arising from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which first appeared in Wuhan, China. For the time being, COVID-19 is not treated with a specific therapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Remdesivir as the first drug to treat COVID-19. However, many other therapeutic approaches are being investigated as possible treatments for COVID-19. As part of this review, we discussed the development of various drugs, their mechanism of action, and how they might be applied to different cases of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, this review highlights an update in the emergence of new prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines against COVID-19. In addition to FDA or The World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines, we intended to incorporate the latest published data from phase III trials about different COVID-19 vaccines and provide clinical data released on the networks or peer-review journals.
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Key Words
- ACE2, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- ARDS, Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Antiviral agents
- Arb, Arbidol
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019
- ER, Endoplasmic reticulum
- ERGIC, Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus
- MERS-CoV, The Middle East respiratory syndrome 20 coronavirus
- ORFs, Open reading frames
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia
- RBD, Receptor binding domain
- RTC, Replicase transcriptase complex
- RdRp, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2
- VLPs, Virus-like particles
- Vaccines
- WHO, World Health Organization
- WMT, Washed microbiota transplantation
- gRNA, Genomic RNA
- mAbs, Monoclonal antibodies
- sgRNA, Subgenomic RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Setare Adibzadeh
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Amiri
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giti Esmail Nia
- Faculty of Allied Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Maryam Rezakhani Taleghani
- Biotechnology Research Institute of Industry and Environment, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Neda Maserat
- Department of Biology, Sistan and Balouchestan University, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Abbas Behzad-Behbahani
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Pereira GRC, Gonçalves LM, Abrahim-Vieira BDA, De Mesquita JF. In silico analyses of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its genetic variants in interaction with the anti-Alzheimer drug Rivastigmine. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1259-1277. [PMID: 35644025 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30277] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Despite causing great social and economic impact, there is currently no cure for AD. The most effective therapy to manage AD symptoms is based on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi), from which rivastigmine presented numerous benefits. However, mutations in AChE, which affect approximately 5% of the population, can modify protein structure and function, changing the individual response to Alzheimer's treatment. In this study, we performed computer simulations of AChE wild type and variants R34Q, P135A, V333E, and H353N, identified by one or more genome-wide association studies, to evaluate their effects on protein structure and interaction with rivastigmine. The functional effects of AChE variants were predicted using eight machine learning algorithms, while the evolutionary conservation of AChE residues was analyzed using the ConSurf server. Autodock4.2.6 was used to predict the binding modes for the hAChE-rivastigmine complex, which is still unknown. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed in triplicates for the AChE wild type and mutants using the GROMACS packages. Among the analyzed variants, P135A was classified as deleterious by all the functional prediction algorithms, in addition to occurring at highly conserved positions, which may have harmful consequences on protein function. The molecular docking results suggested that rivastigmine interacts with hAChE at the upper active-site gorge, which was further confirmed by MD simulations. Our MD findings also suggested that the complex hAChE-rivastigmine remains stable over time. The essential dynamics revealed flexibility alterations at the active-site gorge upon mutations P135A, V333E, and H353N, which may lead to strong and nonintuitive consequences to hAChE binding. Nonetheless, similar binding affinities were registered in the MMPBSA analysis for the hAChE wild type and variants when complexed to rivastigmine. Finally, our findings indicated that the rivastigmine binding to hAChE is an energetically favorable process mainly driven by negatively charged amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Machado Gonçalves
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro-UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Joelma Freire De Mesquita
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro-UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Saraya RE, Deeb SE, Salman BI, Ibrahim AE. Highly sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of Molnupiravir, Favipiravir, and Ritonavir in pure forms and pharmaceutical formulations. J Sep Sci 2022; 45:2582-2590. [PMID: 35583051 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202200178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Favipiravir, molnupiravir, and ritonavir have been recently approved as the first oral antivirals for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 viral infections. Their combination was reported in several clinical studies, alternatively, to enhance the viral eradication and improve patient's recovery times and rates. Being all orally administered, therefore, developing new sensitive and validated methodologies for their simultaneous determination is a necessitate. In the proposed research, a sensitive, selective and simple high-performance thin layer chromatography method was developed and validated for determination of favipiravir, molnupiravir, and ritonavir. Silica gel 60F254 thin layer chromatography plates were used as stationary phase for this separation using mobile phase composed of methylene chloride: ethyl acetate: methanol: 25% ammonia (6:3:4:1, v/v/v/v). Densitometric detection was performed at wavelength 289nm. Peaks of favipiravir, molnupiravir, and ritonavir were resolved at retention factors 0.22, 0.42 and 0.63, respectively. The proposed method was found linear within the specified ranges of 3.75-100.00 μg/mL for molnupiravir and favipiravir, and 2.75-100.00 μg/mL for ritonavir. Limits of detection were found to be 1.12, 1.21, and 0.89 μg/mL for favipiravir, molnupiravir, and ritonavir, respectively. This is the first method to be reported for the simultaneous determination of the cited three antiviral drugs. The method was assessed on novel greenness metrics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshdy E Saraya
- Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Sami El Deeb
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.,Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, 616, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Baher I Salman
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Adel Ehab Ibrahim
- Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt.,Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, 616, Sultanate of Oman
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50
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Ridgway H, Chasapis CT, Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Mavromoustakos T, Matsoukas JM. Understanding the Driving Forces That Trigger Mutations in SARS-CoV-2: Mutational Energetics and the Role of Arginine Blockers in COVID-19 Therapy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051029. [PMID: 35632769 PMCID: PMC9143829 DOI: 10.3390/v14051029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a global challenge due to its ability to mutate into variants that spread more rapidly than the wild-type virus. Because the molecular biology of this virus has been studied in such great detail, it represents an archetypal paradigm for research into new antiviral drug therapies. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population is driven, in part, by mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S-) protein, some of which enable tighter binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2). More stable RBD-ACE2 association is coupled with accelerated hydrolysis of furin and 3CLpro cleavage sites that augment infection. Non-RBD and non-interfacial mutations assist the S-protein in adopting thermodynamically favorable conformations for stronger binding. The driving forces of key mutations for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, Lambda and Omicron variants, which stabilize the RBD-ACE2 complex, are investigated by free-energy computational approaches, as well as equilibrium and steered molecular dynamic simulations. Considered also are the structural hydropathy traits of the residues in the interface between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2 protein. Salt bridges and π-π interactions are critical forces that create stronger complexes between the RBD and ACE2. The trend of mutations is the replacement of non-polar hydrophobic interactions with polar hydrophilic interactions, which enhance binding of RBD with ACE2. However, this is not always the case, as conformational landscapes also contribute to a stronger binding. Arginine, the most polar and hydrophilic among the natural amino acids, is the most aggressive mutant amino acid for stronger binding. Arginine blockers, such as traditional sartans that bear anionic tetrazoles and carboxylates, may be ideal candidate drugs for retarding viral infection by weakening S-protein RBD binding to ACE2 and discouraging hydrolysis of cleavage sites. Based on our computational results it is suggested that a new generation of “supersartans”, called “bisartans”, bearing two anionic biphenyl-tetrazole pharmacophores, are superior to carboxylates in terms of their interactions with viral targets, suggesting their potential as drugs in the treatment of COVID-19. In Brief: This in silico study reviews our understanding of molecular driving forces that trigger mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It also reports further studies on a new class of “supersartans” referred to herein as “bisartans”, bearing two anionic biphenyltetrazole moieties that show potential in models for blocking critical amino acids of mutants, such as arginine, in the Delta variant. Bisartans may also act at other targets essential for viral infection and replication (i.e., ACE2, furin cleavage site and 3CLpro), rendering them potential new drugs for additional experimentation and translation to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, New Mexico, NM 88056, USA
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (J.M.M.)
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