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Nadwa EH, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Elekhnawy E, Albogami SM, Alorabi M, Batiha GES, De Waard M. Cholinergic dysfunction in COVID-19: frantic search and hoping for the best. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:453-468. [PMID: 36460816 PMCID: PMC9735034 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a potential cause of acute respiratory infection called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The binding of SARS-CoV-2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) induces a series of inflammatory cellular events with cytopathic effects leading to cell injury and hyperinflammation. Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to dysautonomia and sympathetic storm due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Therefore, this review aimed to elucidate the critical role of the cholinergic system (CS) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The CS forms a multi-faceted network performing diverse functions in the body due to its distribution in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Acetylcholine (ACh) acts on two main types of receptors which are nicotinic receptors (NRs) and muscarinic receptors (MRs). NRs induce T cell anergy with impairment of antigen-mediated signal transduction. Nicotine through activation of T cell NRs inhibits the expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. NRs play important anti-inflammatory effects while MRs promote inflammation by inducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect the morphological and functional stability of CS through the disruption of cholinergic receptors. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is similar to neurotoxins, which can bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the ANS and brain. Therefore, cholinergic receptors mainly nAChR and related cholinergic agonists may affect the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cholinergic dysfunction in COVID-19 is due to dysregulation of nAChR by SARS-CoV-2 promoting the central sympathetic drive with the development of the sympathetic storm. As well, nAChR activators through interaction with diverse signaling pathways can reduce the risk of inflammatory disorders in COVID-19. In addition, nAChR activators may mitigate endothelial dysfunction (ED), oxidative stress (OS), and associated coagulopathy in COVID-19. Similarly, nAChR activators may improve OS, inflammatory changes, and cytokine storm in COVID-19. Therefore, nAChR activators like varenicline in virtue of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects with direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect could be effective in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Hassan Nadwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakakah, 72345 Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12613 Egypt
| | - Hayder M. Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, 14132 Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, 14132 Iraq
| | - Engy Elekhnawy
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527 Egypt
| | - Sarah M. Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alorabi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944 Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Michel De Waard
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue Des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
- L’Institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, 44007 Nantes, France
- LabEx “Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics”, Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France
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2
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Firouzi R, Ashouri M. Identification of Potential Anti‐COVID‐19 Drug Leads from Medicinal Plants through Virtual High‐Throughput Screening. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohoullah Firouzi
- Department of Physical Chemistry Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran Tehran Iran
| | - Mitra Ashouri
- Department of Physical Chemistry School of Chemistry College of Science University of Tehran Tehran Iran
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Chakraborty J, Maity A, Sarkar H. A systematic drug repurposing approach to identify promising inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs against Nsp4 protein of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:550-559. [PMID: 34844509 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2009033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and responsible for the ongoing global pandemic in the world. After more than a year, we are still in lurch to combat and control the situation. Therefore, new therapeutic options to control the ongoing COVID-19 are urgently in need. In our study, we found that nonstructural protein 4 (Nsp4) of SARS-CoV-2 could be a potential target for drug repurposing. Due to availability of only the crystal structure of C-terminal domain of Nsp4 (Ct-Nsp4) and its crucial participation in viral RNA synthesis, we have chosen Ct-Nsp4 as a target for screening the 1600 FDA-approved drugs using molecular docking. Top 102 drugs were found to have the binding energy equal or less than -7.0 kcal/mol. Eribulin and Suvorexant were identified as the two most promising drug molecules based on the docking score. The dynamics of Ct-Nsp4-drug binding was monitored using 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. From binding free energy calculation over the simulation, both the drugs were found to have considerable binding energy. The present study has identified Eribulin and Suvorexant as promising drug candidates. This finding will be helpful to accelerate the drug discovery process against COVID-19 disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atanu Maity
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Hironmoy Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, Raiganj, West Bengal, India
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4
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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5
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Calvo-Alvarez E, Dolci M, Perego F, Signorini L, Parapini S, D’Alessandro S, Denti L, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Antiparasitic Drugs against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Literature Survey. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071284. [PMID: 35889004 PMCID: PMC9320270 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
More than two years have passed since the viral outbreak that led to the novel infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since then, the urgency for effective treatments resulted in unprecedented efforts to develop new vaccines and to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline, mainly through the repurposing of well-known compounds with broad antiviral effects. In particular, antiparasitic drugs historically used against human infections due to protozoa or helminth parasites have entered the main stage as a miracle cure in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Despite having demonstrated promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, conflicting results have made their translation into clinical practice more difficult than expected. Since many studies involving antiparasitic drugs are currently under investigation, the window of opportunity might be not closed yet. Here, we will review the (controversial) journey of these old antiparasitic drugs to combat the human infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Calvo-Alvarez
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Federica Perego
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sarah D’Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Luca Denti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
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Montaño LM, Sommer B, Gomez-Verjan JC, Morales-Paoli GS, Ramírez-Salinas GL, Solís-Chagoyán H, Sanchez-Florentino ZA, Calixto E, Pérez-Figueroa GE, Carter R, Jaimez-Melgoza R, Romero-Martínez BS, Flores-Soto E. Theophylline: Old Drug in a New Light, Application in COVID-19 through Computational Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084167. [PMID: 35456985 PMCID: PMC9030606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Theophylline (3-methyxanthine) is a historically prominent drug used to treat respiratory diseases, alone or in combination with other drugs. The rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic urged the development of effective pharmacological treatments to directly attack the development of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and possess a therapeutical battery of compounds that could improve the current management of the disease worldwide. In this context, theophylline, through bronchodilatory, immunomodulatory, and potentially antiviral mechanisms, is an interesting proposal as an adjuvant in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand how this compound could behave against such a disease, not only at a pharmacodynamic but also at a pharmacokinetic level. In this sense, the quickest approach in drug discovery is through different computational methods, either from network pharmacology or from quantitative systems pharmacology approaches. In the present review, we explore the possibility of using theophylline in the treatment of COVID-19 patients since it seems to be a relevant candidate by aiming at several immunological targets involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. Theophylline down-regulates the inflammatory processes activated by SARS-CoV-2 through various mechanisms, and herein, they are discussed by reviewing computational simulation studies and their different applications and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (L.M.M.); (R.J.-M.); (B.S.R.-M.)
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Laboratorio de Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Ciudad de México 14080, CP, Mexico;
| | - Juan C. Gomez-Verjan
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Ciudad de México 10200, CP, Mexico; (J.C.G.-V.); (G.S.M.-P.)
| | - Genaro S. Morales-Paoli
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Ciudad de México 10200, CP, Mexico; (J.C.G.-V.); (G.S.M.-P.)
| | - Gema Lizbeth Ramírez-Salinas
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón S/N, Col. Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, CP, Mexico;
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Escolar s/n, Ciudad de México 14510, CP, Mexico
| | - Héctor Solís-Chagoyán
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”, Ciudad de México 14370, CP, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (Z.A.S.-F.)
| | - Zuly A. Sanchez-Florentino
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”, Ciudad de México 14370, CP, Mexico; (H.S.-C.); (Z.A.S.-F.)
| | - Eduardo Calixto
- Departamento de Neurobiología, Dirección de Investigación en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”, Ciudad de México 14370, CP, Mexico;
| | - Gloria E. Pérez-Figueroa
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Unidad Periférica en el Estudio de la Neuroinflamación en Patologías Neurológicas, Ciudad de México 06720, CP, Mexico;
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunología y Proteómica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México 06720, CP, Mexico
| | - Rohan Carter
- FRACGP/MBBS, Murchison Outreach Service Mount Magnet Western Australia, Mount Magnet, WA 6530, Australia;
| | - Ruth Jaimez-Melgoza
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (L.M.M.); (R.J.-M.); (B.S.R.-M.)
| | - Bianca S. Romero-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (L.M.M.); (R.J.-M.); (B.S.R.-M.)
| | - Edgar Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (L.M.M.); (R.J.-M.); (B.S.R.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-555-6232279
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, causing COVID-19, is the most challenging pandemic of the modern era. It has resulted in over 5 million deaths worldwide. To quickly explore therapeutics for COVID-19, we utilized a previously-established system, namely CEBIT. We performed a high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs to inhibit the interaction between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its obligate receptor ACE2. This interaction is essential for viral entry and therefore represents a promising therapeutic target. Based on the recruitment of interacting molecules into phase-separated condensates as a readout, we identified six positive candidates from a library of 2572 compounds, most of which have been reported to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Our surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking analyses revealed the possible mechanisms via which these compounds interfere with the interaction between RBD and ACE2. Hence, our results indicate that CEBIT is highly versatile for identifying drugs against SARS-CoV-2 entry, and targeting CoV-2 entry by small molecule drugs is a viable therapeutic option to treat COVID-19 in addition to commonly used monoclonal antibodies.
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Golnabi EY, Sanders JM, Johns ML, Lin K, Ortwine JK, Wei W, Mang NS, Cutrell JB. Therapeutic Options for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Where Are We Now? Curr Infect Dis Rep 2021; 23:28. [PMID: 34924819 PMCID: PMC8665318 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-021-00769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rapidly evolving treatment paradigms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) introduce challenges for clinicians to keep up with the pace of published literature and to critically appraise the voluminous data produced. This review summarizes the clinical evidence from key studies examining the place of therapy of recommended drugs and management strategies for COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS The global magnitude and duration of the pandemic have resulted in a flurry of interventional treatment trials evaluating both novel and repurposed drugs targeting various aspects of the viral life cycle. Additionally, clinical observations have documented various stages or phases of COVID-19 and underscored the importance of timing for the efficacy of studied therapies. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many observational, retrospective, and randomized controlled studies have been conducted to guide management of COVID-19 using drug therapies and other management strategies. Large, randomized, or adaptive platform trials have proven the most informative to guide recommended treatments to-date. Antimicrobial stewardship programs can play a pivotal role in ensuring appropriate use of COVID-19 therapies based on evolving clinical data and limiting unnecessary antibiotics given low rates of co-infection. SUMMARY Given the rapidly evolving medical literature and treatment paradigms, it is recommended to reference continuously updated, curated guidelines from national and international sources. While the drugs and management strategies mentioned in this review represent the current state of recommendations, many therapies are still under investigation to further define optimal COVID-19 treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11908-021-00769-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Y. Golnabi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, US
| | - James M. Sanders
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, US
| | - Meagan L. Johns
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, US
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, US
| | | | - Wenjing Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, US
| | | | - James B. Cutrell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic
Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, US
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Yele V, Sanapalli BKR, Mohammed AA. Imidazoles and benzimidazoles as putative inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and P.1 (Gamma) variant spike glycoproteins: A computational approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 76:1107-1117. [PMID: 34690413 PMCID: PMC8522534 DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-01900-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic threatening global health, and variants were discovered rapidly after the pandemic. The two variants, namely the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and P.1 (Gamma), were formed by the mutations in the receptor binding domain of spike glycoprotein (SGP). These two variants are known to possess a high binding affinity with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Amidst the rapid spread of these mutant strains, research and development of novel molecules become tedious and labour-intensive. Imidazole and benzimidazole scaffolds were selected in this study based on their unique structural features and electron-rich environment, resulting in increased affinity against a variety of therapeutic targets. In the current study, imidazole- and benzimidazole-based anti-parasitic drugs are repurposed against SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Gamma variant spike glycoproteins using computational strategies. Out of the screened 15 molecules, flubendazole and mebendazole have exhibited promising binding features to the two receptors (PDB ID: 7NEH and 7NXC), as evidenced by their glide score and binding free energy. The results are compared with that of the two standard drugs, remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine. Flubendazole and mebendazole have become convenient treatment options against mutant lineages of SARS-CoV-2. The edge of the flubendazole was further established by its stability in MD simulation conducted for 100 ns employing GROMACS software. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies are essential to understand, if flubendazole and mebendazole indeed hold the promise to manage SARS-CoV-2 mutant stains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidyasrilekha Yele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat 360003 India
| | | | - Afzal Azam Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001 India
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10
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Pickard A, Calverley BC, Chang J, Garva R, Gago S, Lu Y, Kadler KE. Discovery of re-purposed drugs that slow SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009840. [PMID: 34499689 PMCID: PMC8428568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines based on the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been developed that appear to be largely successful in stopping infection. However, therapeutics that can help manage the disease are still required until immunity has been achieved globally. The identification of repurposed drugs that stop SARS-CoV-2 replication could have enormous utility in stemming the disease. Here, using a nano-luciferase tagged version of the virus (SARS-CoV-2-ΔOrf7a-NLuc) to quantitate viral load, we evaluated a range of human cell types for their ability to be infected and support replication of the virus, and performed a screen of 1971 FDA-approved drugs. Hepatocytes, kidney glomerulus, and proximal tubule cells were particularly effective in supporting SARS-CoV-2 replication, which is in-line with reported proteinuria and liver damage in patients with COVID-19. Using the nano-luciferase as a measure of virus replication we identified 35 drugs that reduced replication in Vero cells and human hepatocytes when treated prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection and found amodiaquine, atovaquone, bedaquiline, ebastine, LY2835219, manidipine, panobinostat, and vitamin D3 to be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells when used to treat infected cells. In conclusion, our study has identified strong candidates for drug repurposing, which could prove powerful additions to the treatment of COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pickard
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AP); (KEK)
| | - Ben C. Calverley
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Chang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Richa Garva
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Gago
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yinhui Lu
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karl E. Kadler
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AP); (KEK)
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Pickard A, Calverley BC, Chang J, Garva R, Lu Y, Kadler KE. Discovery of re-purposed drugs that slow SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.01.31.428851. [PMID: 33564760 PMCID: PMC7872348 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.31.428851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines based on the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been developed that appear to be largely successful in stopping infection. However, vaccine escape variants might arise leading to a re-emergence of COVID. In anticipation of such a scenario, the identification of repurposed drugs that stop SARS-CoV-2 replication could have enormous utility in stemming the disease. Here, using a nano-luciferase tagged version of the virus (SARS-CoV-2- DOrf7a-NLuc) to quantitate viral load, we evaluated a range of human cell types for their ability to be infected and support replication of the virus, and performed a screen of 1971 FDA-approved drugs. Hepatocytes, kidney glomerulus, and proximal tubule cells were particularly effective in supporting SARS-CoV-2 replication, which is in- line with reported proteinuria and liver damage in patients with COVID-19. We identified 35 drugs that reduced viral replication in Vero and human hepatocytes when treated prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection and found amodiaquine, atovaquone, bedaquiline, ebastine, LY2835219, manidipine, panobinostat, and vitamin D3 to be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells when used to treat infected cells. In conclusion, our study has identified strong candidates for drug repurposing, which could prove powerful additions to the treatment of COVID.
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Liang C, Bencurova E, Psota E, Neurgaonkar P, Prelog M, Scheller C, Dandekar T. Population-Predicted MHC Class II Epitope Presentation of SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins Correlates to the Case Fatality Rates of COVID-19 in Different Countries. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2630. [PMID: 33807854 PMCID: PMC7961590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We observed substantial differences in predicted Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHCII) epitope presentation of SARS-CoV-2 proteins for different populations but only minor differences in predicted MHCI epitope presentation. A comparison of this predicted epitope MHC-coverage revealed for the early phase of infection spread (till day 15 after reaching 128 observed infection cases) highly significant negative correlations with the case fatality rate. Specifically, this was observed in different populations for MHC class II presentation of the viral spike protein (p-value: 0.0733 for linear regression), the envelope protein (p-value: 0.023), and the membrane protein (p-value: 0.00053), indicating that the high case fatality rates of COVID-19 observed in some countries seem to be related with poor MHC class II presentation and hence weak adaptive immune response against these viral envelope proteins. Our results highlight the general importance of the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in immunological control in early infection spread looking at a global census in various countries and taking case fatality rate into account. Other factors such as health system and control measures become more important after the early spread. Our study should encourage further studies on MHCII alleles as potential risk factors in COVID-19 including assessment of local populations and specific allele distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunguang Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (C.L.); (E.B.); (P.N.)
| | - Elena Bencurova
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (C.L.); (E.B.); (P.N.)
| | - Eric Psota
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology and Special Immunology, University Hospital Würzburg, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Priya Neurgaonkar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (C.L.); (E.B.); (P.N.)
| | - Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology and Special Immunology, University Hospital Würzburg, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Carsten Scheller
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (C.L.); (E.B.); (P.N.)
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Pinzi L, Tinivella A, Caporuscio F, Rastelli G. Drug Repurposing and Polypharmacology to Fight SARS-CoV-2 Through Inhibition of the Main Protease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:636989. [PMID: 33692695 PMCID: PMC7938350 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.636989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for the COVID-19 disease and is spreading rapidly around the world, urgently requires effective therapeutic treatments. In this context, drug repurposing represents a valuable strategy, as it enables accelerating the identification of drug candidates with already known safety profiles, possibly aiding in the late stages of clinical evaluation. Moreover, therapeutic treatments based on drugs with beneficial multi-target activities (polypharmacology) may show an increased antiviral activity or help to counteract severe complications concurrently affecting COVID-19 patients. In this study, we present the results of a computational drug repurposing campaign that aimed at identifying potential inhibitors of the main protease (Mpro) of the SARS-CoV-2. The performed in silico screening allowed the identification of 22 candidates with putative SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitory activity. Interestingly, some of the identified compounds have recently entered clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, albeit not being assayed for their SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity. Some candidates present a polypharmacology profile that may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment and, to the best of our knowledge, have never been considered in clinical trials. For each repurposed compound, its therapeutic relevance and potential beneficial polypharmacological effects that may arise due to its original therapeutic indication are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Molecular Modelling and Drug Design Lab, Life Sciences Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annachiara Tinivella
- Molecular Modelling and Drug Design Lab, Life Sciences Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabiana Caporuscio
- Molecular Modelling and Drug Design Lab, Life Sciences Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Molecular Modelling and Drug Design Lab, Life Sciences Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Hikita E, Hashimoto M, Yasu T, Shirota M, Nakamura K. Efficacy of Naldemedine in the Management of Constipation in a Patient with Severe COVID-19 Receiving Mechanical Ventilation. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:651-652. [PMID: 33544649 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eri Hikita
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mituko Hashimoto
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Yasu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medicinal Therapy Research, Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Shirota
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuha Nakamura
- Tertiary Emergency Medical Center (Trauma and Critical Care), Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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