1
|
Fan L, Wang Y, Huang H, Wang Z, Liang C, Yang X, Ye P, Lin J, Shi W, Zhou Y, Yan H, Long Z, Wang Z, Liu L, Qian J. RNA binding motif 4 inhibits the replication of ebolavirus by directly targeting 3'-leader region of genomic RNA. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2300762. [PMID: 38164794 PMCID: PMC10773643 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2300762] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) belongs to Filoviridae family possessing single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome, which is a serious threat to human health. Nowadays, no therapeutics have been proven to be successful in efficiently decreasing the mortality rate. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are reported to participate in maintaining cell integrity and regulation of viral replication. However, little is known about whether and how RBPs participate in regulating the life cycle of EBOV. In our study, we found that RNA binding motif protein 4 (RBM4) inhibited the replication of EBOV in HEK293T and Huh-7 cells by suppressing viral mRNA production. Such inhibition resulted from the direct interaction between the RRM1 domain of RBM4 and the "CU" enrichment elements located in the PE1 and TSS of the 3'-leader region within the viral genome. Simultaneously, RBM4 could upregulate the expression of some cytokines involved in the host innate immune responses to synergistically exert its antiviral function. The findings therefore suggest that RBM4 might serve as a novel target of anti-EBOV strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linjin Fan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yulong Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zequn Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chudan Liang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Ye
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Lin
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wendi Shi
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuandong Zhou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijun Yan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Long
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongyi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linna Liu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Qian
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee HN, Xu B, Lewkowicz AP, Engel K, Kelley-Baker L, McWilliams IL, Ireland DDC, Kielczewski JL, Li J, Fariss RN, Campos MM, Baum A, Kyratsous C, Pascal K, Chan CC, Caspi RR, Manangeeswaran M, Verthelyi D. Ebola virus-induced eye sequelae: a murine model for evaluating glycoprotein-targeting therapeutics. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105170. [PMID: 38823088 PMCID: PMC11169960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105170] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors experience ocular sequelae including retinal lesions, cataracts, and vision loss. While monoclonal antibodies targeting the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV-GP) have shown promise in improving prognosis, their effectiveness in mitigating ocular sequelae remains uncertain. METHODS We developed and characterized a BSL-2-compatible immunocompetent mouse model to evaluate therapeutics targeting EBOV-GP by inoculating neonatal mice with vesicular stomatitis virus expressing EBOV-GP (VSV-EBOV). To examine the impact of anti-EBOV-GP antibody treatment on acute retinitis and ocular sequelae, VSV-EBOV-infected mice were treated with polyclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibody preparations with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC-mAb) or neutralizing activity (NEUT-mAb). FINDINGS Treatment with all anti-EBOV-GP antibodies tested dramatically reduced viremia and improved survival. Further, all treatments reduced the incidence of cataracts. However, NEUT-mAb alone or in combination with ADCC-mAb reduced viral load in the eyes, downregulated the ocular immune and inflammatory responses, and minimized retinal damage more effectively. INTERPRETATION Anti-EBOV-GP antibodies can improve survival among EVD patients, but improved therapeutics are needed to reduce life altering sequelae. This animal model offers a new platform to examine the acute and long-term effect of the virus in the eye and the relative impact of therapeutic candidates targeting EBOV-GP. Results indicate that even antibodies that improve systemic viral clearance and survival can differ in their capacity to reduce acute ocular inflammation, and long-term retinal pathology and corneal degeneration. FUNDING This study was partly supported by Postgraduate Research Fellowship Awards from ORISE through an interagency agreement between the US DOE and the US FDA.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Disease Models, Animal
- Ebolavirus/immunology
- Ebolavirus/pathogenicity
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/drug therapy
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Humans
- Viral Load
- Glycoproteins/immunology
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Lee
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Biying Xu
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Aaron P Lewkowicz
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Kaliroi Engel
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Logan Kelley-Baker
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Ian L McWilliams
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Derek D C Ireland
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | | | - Jinbo Li
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Robert N Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mercedes M Campos
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alina Baum
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | - Kristen Pascal
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Chi-Chao Chan
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mohanraj Manangeeswaran
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Daniela Verthelyi
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Suljič A, Zorec TM, Zakotnik S, Vlaj D, Kogoj R, Knap N, Petrovec M, Poljak M, Avšič-Županc T, Korva M. Efficient SARS-CoV-2 variant detection and monitoring with Spike Screen next-generation sequencing. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae263. [PMID: 38833323 PMCID: PMC11149657 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae263] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 prompted the global community to identify innovative approaches to diagnose infection and sequence the viral genome because at several points in the pandemic positive case numbers exceeded the laboratory capacity to characterize sufficient samples to adequately respond to the spread of emerging variants. From week 10, 2020, to week 13, 2023, Slovenian routine complete genome sequencing (CGS) surveillance network yielded 41 537 complete genomes and revealed a typical molecular epidemiology with early lineages gradually being replaced by Alpha, Delta, and finally Omicron. We developed a targeted next-generation sequencing based variant surveillance strategy dubbed Spike Screen through sample pooling and selective SARS-CoV-2 spike gene amplification in conjunction with CGS of individual cases to increase throughput and cost-effectiveness. Spike Screen identifies variant of concern (VOC) and variant of interest (VOI) signature mutations, analyses their frequencies in sample pools, and calculates the number of VOCs/VOIs at the population level. The strategy was successfully applied for detection of specific VOC/VOI mutations prior to their confirmation by CGS. Spike Screen complemented CGS efforts with an additional 22 897 samples sequenced in two time periods: between week 42, 2020, and week 24, 2021, and between week 37, 2021, and week 2, 2022. The results showed that Spike Screen can be applied to monitor VOC/VOI mutations among large volumes of samples in settings with limited sequencing capacity through reliable and rapid detection of novel variants at the population level and can serve as a basis for public health policy planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alen Suljič
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Mark Zorec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Samo Zakotnik
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Doroteja Vlaj
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Kogoj
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Knap
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miroslav Petrovec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mario Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miša Korva
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Motsa BB, Sharma T, Cioffi MD, Chapagain PP, Stahelin RV. Minor electrostatic changes robustly increase VP40 membrane binding, assembly, and budding of Ebola virus matrix protein derived virus-like particles. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107213. [PMID: 38522519 PMCID: PMC11061732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107213] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a filamentous negative-sense RNA virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever. There are limited vaccines or therapeutics for prevention and treatment of EBOV, so it is important to get a detailed understanding of the virus lifecycle to illuminate new drug targets. EBOV encodes for the matrix protein, VP40, which regulates assembly and budding of new virions from the inner leaflet of the host cell plasma membrane (PM). In this work, we determine the effects of VP40 mutations altering electrostatics on PM interactions and subsequent budding. VP40 mutations that modify surface electrostatics affect viral assembly and budding by altering VP40 membrane-binding capabilities. Mutations that increase VP40 net positive charge by one (e.g., Gly to Arg or Asp to Ala) increase VP40 affinity for phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the host cell PM. This increased affinity enhances PM association and budding efficiency leading to more effective formation of virus-like particles. In contrast, mutations that decrease net positive charge by one (e.g., Gly to Asp) lead to a decrease in assembly and budding because of decreased interactions with the anionic PM. Taken together, our results highlight the sensitivity of slight electrostatic changes on the VP40 surface for assembly and budding. Understanding the effects of single amino acid substitutions on viral budding and assembly will be useful for explaining changes in the infectivity and virulence of different EBOV strains, VP40 variants that occur in nature, and for long-term drug discovery endeavors aimed at EBOV assembly and budding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balindile B Motsa
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Tej Sharma
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael D Cioffi
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Prem P Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert V Stahelin
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodríguez-Salazar CA, van Tol S, Mailhot O, Gonzalez-Orozco M, Galdino GT, Warren AN, Teruel N, Behera P, Afreen KS, Zhang L, Juelich TL, Smith JK, Zylber MI, Freiberg AN, Najmanovich RJ, Giraldo MI, Rajsbaum R. Ebola virus VP35 interacts non-covalently with ubiquitin chains to promote viral replication. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002544. [PMID: 38422166 PMCID: PMC10942258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ebolavirus (EBOV) belongs to a family of highly pathogenic viruses that cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. EBOV replication requires the activity of the viral polymerase complex, which includes the cofactor and Interferon antagonist VP35. We previously showed that the covalent ubiquitination of VP35 promotes virus replication by regulating interactions with the polymerase complex. In addition, VP35 can also interact non-covalently with ubiquitin (Ub); however, the function of this interaction is unknown. Here, we report that VP35 interacts with free (unanchored) K63-linked polyUb chains. Ectopic expression of Isopeptidase T (USP5), which is known to degrade unanchored polyUb chains, reduced VP35 association with Ub and correlated with diminished polymerase activity in a minigenome assay. Using computational methods, we modeled the VP35-Ub non-covalent interacting complex, identified the VP35-Ub interacting surface, and tested mutations to validate the interface. Docking simulations identified chemical compounds that can block VP35-Ub interactions leading to reduced viral polymerase activity. Treatment with the compounds reduced replication of infectious EBOV in cells and in vivo in a mouse model. In conclusion, we identified a novel role of unanchored polyUb in regulating Ebola virus polymerase function and discovered compounds that have promising anti-Ebola virus activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Rodríguez-Salazar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Molecular Biology and Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Corporación Universitaria Empresarial Alexander von Humboldt, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Sarah van Tol
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Olivier Mailhot
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maria Gonzalez-Orozco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel T. Galdino
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Abbey N. Warren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Virus-Host-Innate Immunity and Department of Medicine; Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Natalia Teruel
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Padmanava Behera
- Center for Virus-Host-Innate Immunity and Department of Medicine; Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Kazi Sabrina Afreen
- Center for Virus-Host-Innate Immunity and Department of Medicine; Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Terry L. Juelich
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - María Inés Zylber
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexander N. Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rafael J. Najmanovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maria I. Giraldo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Rajsbaum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Virus-Host-Innate Immunity and Department of Medicine; Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Motsa BB, Sharma T, Chapagain PP, Stahelin RV. Minor changes in electrostatics robustly increase VP40 membrane binding, assembly, and budding of Ebola virus matrix protein derived virus-like particles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.578092. [PMID: 38352396 PMCID: PMC10862912 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.578092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a filamentous negative-sense RNA virus which causes severe hemorrhagic fever. There are limited vaccines or therapeutics for prevention and treatment of EBOV, so it is important to get a detailed understanding of the virus lifecycle to illuminate new drug targets. EBOV encodes for the matrix protein, VP40, which regulates assembly and budding of new virions from the inner leaflet of the host cell plasma membrane (PM). In this work we determine the effects of VP40 mutations altering electrostatics on PM interactions and subsequent budding. VP40 mutations that modify surface electrostatics affect viral assembly and budding by altering VP40 membrane binding capabilities. Mutations that increase VP40 net positive charge by one (e.g., Gly to Arg or Asp to Ala) increase VP40 affinity for phosphatidylserine (PS) and PI(4,5)P2 in the host cell PM. This increased affinity enhances PM association and budding efficiency leading to more effective formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). In contrast, mutations that decrease net positive charge by one (e.g., Gly to Asp) lead to a decrease in assembly and budding because of decreased interactions with the anionic PM. Taken together our results highlight the sensitivity of slight electrostatic changes on the VP40 surface for assembly and budding. Understanding the effects of single amino acid substitutions on viral budding and assembly will be useful for explaining changes in the infectivity and virulence of different EBOV strains, VP40 variants that occur in nature, and for long-term drug discovery endeavors aimed at EBOV assembly and budding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balindile B. Motsa
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Tej Sharma
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Prem P. Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert V. Stahelin
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fang J, Zhou ZJ, Yuan S, Qiu Y, Ge XY. Lineage classification and selective site identification of Orthoebolavirus zairense. Microbes Infect 2024:105304. [PMID: 38278475 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
As the high pathogenic species of Filoviridae virus family, Orthoebolavirus zairense (EBOV) shows frequent outbreaks in human in recently years since its first emerging in 1976 in Democratic Republic of the Congo (COD), bringing ongoing risks and burden on public health safety. Here, the phylogenetic relationship among major outbreaks was analyzed. The results showed that EBOV isolates could be divided into four lineages according to spatial and temporal epidemics. Then, the positive selection sites (PSSs) were detected on all proteins of the EBOV, exhibiting lineage characteristic. Particularly, sites in GP and VP24 were identified to be significantly under positive selection, and partial of which were maintained in the latest isolates in 2021. GP and L were found to have high variability between lineages. Substitutions including F443L and F443S in GP, as well as F1610L and I1951V in L could be characteristic of the two large outbreaks in COD (2018) and West Africa (2014), respectively. Further, substitutions of significant PSSs in VP24 and L proteins were visualized for analysis of structural changes, which may affect EBOV pathogenesis. In summary, our results gains insights in genetic characteristic and adaptive evolution of EBOV, which could facilitate gene functional research against EBOV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garcia A, Grundmann O. The Utilization and Development of Viral Vectors in Vaccines as a Prophylactic Treatment Against Ebola Virus as an Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:289-299. [PMID: 37489781 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230725115324] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Alongside the prescription of commonly used antivirals, such as acyclovir, remdesivir, oseltamivir, and ciprofloxacin, the most efficient way to prevent or treat communicable diseases is by vaccination. Vaccines have been the most efficient way to prevent or treat highly transmissible infectious agents, such as Ebola, Anthrax, and Dengue Fever. Most epidemics of these highly transmissible infectious agents occur in places, such as South America, Central America, Tropical Asia, and Africa, where the availability of resources and access to adequate healthcare are limited. However, recent events in history have proven that even with access to resources and proper healthcare, those in firstworld countries are not invincible when it comes to infectious diseases and epidemics. The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa highlighted the gaps in therapeutic advancement and readiness and led to the rapid development of novel vaccine approaches. Viral vectors, in the case of the Ebola vaccine the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), can be safely used to activate or initiate the innate adaptive immune response to protect against viral infection. When developed properly and with extensive study, novel vaccine approaches allow physicians and health experts to control the rate at which viruses spread or prevent transmission. This review will discuss the advantages of viral vector vaccines, their chemistry and development, and the pathophysiology of the Ebola virus to develop advantageous and efficacious treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Garcia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Room P3-20, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Room P3-20, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Soni M, Tulsian K, Barot P, Vyas VK. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Approaches Against Ebola Virus Infection. RECENT ADVANCES IN ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 19:276-299. [PMID: 38279760 DOI: 10.2174/0127724344267452231206061944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus (EBOV) is a genus of negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the family Filoviradae that was first described in 1976 in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has intermittently affected substantial human populations in West Africa and presents itself as a global health menace due to the high mortality rate of patients, high transmission rate, difficult patient management, and the emergence of complicated autoimmune disease-like conditions post-infection. OBJECTIVE EBOV or other EBOV-like species as a biochemical weapon pose a significant risk; hence, the need to develop both prophylactic and therapeutic medications to combat the virus is unquestionable. METHODS In this review work, we have compiled the literature pertaining to transmission, pathogenesis, immune response, and diagnosis of EBOV infection. We included detailed structural details of EBOV along with all the available therapeutics against EBOV disease. We have also highlighted current developments and recent advances in therapeutic approaches against Ebola virus disease (EVD). DISCUSSION The development of preventive vaccines against the virus is proving to be a successful effort as of now; however, problems concerning logistics, product stability, multi- dosing, and patient tracking are prominent in West Africa. Monoclonal antibodies that target EBOV proteins have also been developed and approved in the clinic; however, no small drug molecules that target these viral proteins have cleared clinical trials. An understanding of clinically approved vaccines and their shortcomings also serves an important purpose for researchers in vaccine design in choosing the right vector, antigen, and particular physicochemical properties that are critical for the vaccine's success against the virus across the world. CONCLUSION Our work brings together a comprehensive review of all available prophylactic and therapeutic medications developed and under development against the EBOV, which will serve as a guide for researchers in pursuing the most promising drug discovery strategies against the EBOV and also explore novel mechanisms of fighting against EBOV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molisha Soni
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Kartik Tulsian
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Parv Barot
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Almeida-Pinto F, Pinto R, Rocha J. Navigating the Complex Landscape of Ebola Infection Treatment: A Review of Emerging Pharmacological Approaches. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:21-55. [PMID: 38240994 PMCID: PMC10828234 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
In 1976 Ebola revealed itself to the world, marking the beginning of a series of localized outbreaks. However, it was the Ebola outbreak that began in 2013 that incited fear and anxiety around the globe. Since then, our comprehension of the virus has been steadily expanding. Ebola virus (EBOV), belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus of the Filoviridae family, possesses a non-segmented, negative single-stranded RNA genome comprising seven genes that encode multiple proteins. These proteins collectively orchestrate the intricate process of infecting host cells. It is not possible to view each protein as monofunctional. Instead, they synergistically contribute to the pathogenicity of the virus. Understanding this multifaceted replication cycle is crucial for the development of effective antiviral strategies. Currently, two antibody-based therapeutics have received approval for treating Ebola virus disease (EVD). In 2022, the first evidence-based clinical practice guideline dedicated to specific therapies for EVD was published. Although notable progress has been made in recent years, deaths still occur. Consequently, there is an urgent need to enhance the therapeutic options available to improve the outcomes of the disease. Emerging therapeutics can target viral proteins as direct-acting antivirals or host factors as host-directed antivirals. They both have advantages and disadvantages. One way to bypass some disadvantages is to repurpose already approved drugs for non-EVD indications to treat EVD. This review offers detailed insight into the role of each viral protein in the replication cycle of the virus, as understanding how the virus interacts with host cells is critical to understanding how emerging therapeutics exert their activity. Using this knowledge, this review delves into the intricate mechanisms of action of current and emerging therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui Pinto
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMED.ULisboa), 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
- Dr. Joaquim Chaves, Medicine Laboratory, Joaquim Chaves Saúde (JCS), Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - João Rocha
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMED.ULisboa), 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin C, Xie T, Yeh WW, Savas AC, Feng P. Metabolic Enzymes in Viral Infection and Host Innate Immunity. Viruses 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 38257735 PMCID: PMC10820379 DOI: 10.3390/v16010035] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic enzymes are central players for cell metabolism and cell proliferation. These enzymes perform distinct functions in various cellular processes, such as cell metabolism and immune defense. Because viral infections inevitably trigger host immune activation, viruses have evolved diverse strategies to blunt or exploit the host immune response to enable viral replication. Meanwhile, viruses hijack key cellular metabolic enzymes to reprogram metabolism, which generates the necessary biomolecules for viral replication. An emerging theme arising from the metabolic studies of viral infection is that metabolic enzymes are key players of immune response and, conversely, immune components regulate cellular metabolism, revealing unexpected communication between these two fundamental processes that are otherwise disjointed. This review aims to summarize our present comprehension of the involvement of metabolic enzymes in viral infections and host immunity and to provide insights for potential antiviral therapy targeting metabolic enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Qin
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | | | | | - Pinghui Feng
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen YK, Gahtani RM, Al Shahrani M, Hani U, Alshabrmi FM, Alam S, Almohaimeed HM, Basabrain AA, Shahab M, Xie MZ. Identification of potential inhibitors targeting Ebola virus VP35 protein: a computational strategy. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38124513 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294384] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) poses a severe threat as a highly infectious pathogen, causing devastating hemorrhagic fever in both humans and animals. The EBOV virus VP35 protein plays a crucial role in viral replication and exhibits the ability to suppress the host interferon cascade, leading to immune system depletion. As a potential drug target, VP35 protein inhibition holds promise for combating EBOV. To discover new drug candidates, we employed a computer-aided drug design approach, focusing on compounds capable of inhibiting VP35 protein replication. In this connection, a pharmacophore model was generated using molecular interactions between the VP35 protein and its inhibitor. ZINC and Cambridge database were screened using validated pharmacophore model. Further the compounds were filtered based on Lipinski's rule of five and subjected to MD simulation and relative binding free energy calculation. Six compounds manifest a significant docking score and strong binding interaction towards VP35 protein. MD simulations further confirmed the remarkable stability of these six complexes. Relative binding free energy calculations also showed significant ΔG value in the range of -132.3 and -49.3 kcal/mol. This study paves the way for further optimization of these compounds as potential inhibitors of VP35, facilitating subsequent experimental in vitro studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Kun Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Precision Medicine R&D Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhuhai, China
| | - Reem M Gahtani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mesfer Al Shahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umme Hani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha,Saudia Arabia
| | - Fahad M Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Alam
- Tunneling Group, Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Hailah M Almohaimeed
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar A Basabrain
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Shahab
- State Key Laboratories of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Zhou Xie
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sabsay KR, te Velthuis AJW. Negative and ambisense RNA virus ribonucleocapsids: more than protective armor. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0008223. [PMID: 37750733 PMCID: PMC10732063 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00082-23] [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] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYNegative and ambisense RNA viruses are the causative agents of important human diseases such as influenza, measles, Lassa fever, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The viral genome of these RNA viruses consists of one or more single-stranded RNA molecules that are encapsidated by viral nucleocapsid proteins to form a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). This RNP acts as protection, as a scaffold for RNA folding, and as the context for viral replication and transcription by a viral RNA polymerase. However, the roles of the viral nucleoproteins extend beyond these functions during the viral infection cycle. Recent advances in structural biology techniques and analysis methods have provided new insights into the formation, function, dynamics, and evolution of negative sense virus nucleocapsid proteins, as well as the role that they play in host innate immune responses against viral infection. In this review, we discuss the various roles of nucleocapsid proteins, both in the context of RNPs and in RNA-free states, as well as the open questions that remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly R. Sabsay
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aartjan J. W. te Velthuis
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Normandin E, Triana S, Raju SS, Lan TC, Lagerborg K, Rudy M, Adams GC, DeRuff KC, Logue J, Liu D, Strebinger D, Rao A, Messer KS, Sacks M, Adams RD, Janosko K, Kotliar D, Shah R, Crozier I, Rinn JL, Melé M, Honko AN, Zhang F, Babadi M, Luban J, Bennett RS, Shalek AK, Barkas N, Lin AE, Hensley LE, Sabeti PC, Siddle KJ. Natural history of Ebola virus disease in rhesus monkeys shows viral variant emergence dynamics and tissue-specific host responses. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100440. [PMID: 38169842 PMCID: PMC10759212 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), marked by severe hemorrhagic fever; however, the mechanisms underlying the disease remain unclear. To assess the molecular basis of EVD across time, we performed RNA sequencing on 17 tissues from a natural history study of 21 rhesus monkeys, developing new methods to characterize host-pathogen dynamics. We identified alterations in host gene expression with previously unknown tissue-specific changes, including downregulation of genes related to tissue connectivity. EBOV was widely disseminated throughout the body; using a new, broadly applicable deconvolution method, we found that viral load correlated with increased monocyte presence. Patterns of viral variation between tissues differentiated primary infections from compartmentalized infections, and several variants impacted viral fitness in a EBOV/Kikwit minigenome system, suggesting that functionally significant variants can emerge during early infection. This comprehensive portrait of host-pathogen dynamics in EVD illuminates new features of pathogenesis and establishes resources to study other emerging pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Normandin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sergio Triana
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences (IMES), and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard, and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Siddharth S. Raju
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tammy C.T. Lan
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kim Lagerborg
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Rudy
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gordon C. Adams
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - James Logue
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David Liu
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Strebinger
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Arya Rao
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Molly Sacks
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ricky D. Adams
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Krisztina Janosko
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Dylan Kotliar
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rickey Shah
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ian Crozier
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - John L. Rinn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Marta Melé
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna N. Honko
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mehrtash Babadi
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard, and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Richard S. Bennett
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Alex K. Shalek
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences (IMES), and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard, and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nikolaos Barkas
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aaron E. Lin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Lisa E. Hensley
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pardis C. Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katherine J. Siddle
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Werner AD, Schauflinger M, Norris MJ, Klüver M, Trodler A, Herwig A, Brandstädter C, Dillenberger M, Klebe G, Heine A, Saphire EO, Becker K, Becker S. The C-terminus of Sudan ebolavirus VP40 contains a functionally important CX nC motif, a target for redox modifications. Structure 2023; 31:1038-1051.e7. [PMID: 37392738 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.06.004] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The Ebola virus matrix protein VP40 mediates viral budding and negatively regulates viral RNA synthesis. The mechanisms by which these two functions are exerted and regulated are unknown. Using a high-resolution crystal structure of Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) VP40, we show here that two cysteines in the flexible C-terminal arm of VP40 form a stabilizing disulfide bridge. Notably, the two cysteines are targets of posttranslational redox modifications and interact directly with the host`s thioredoxin system. Mutation of the cysteines impaired the budding function of VP40 and relaxed its inhibitory role for viral RNA synthesis. In line with these results, the growth of recombinant Ebola viruses carrying cysteine mutations was impaired and the released viral particles were elongated. Our results revealed the exact positions of the cysteines in the C-terminal arm of SUDV VP40. The cysteines and/or their redox status are critically involved in the differential regulation of viral budding and viral RNA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael J Norris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Klüver
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Trodler
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Herwig
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christina Brandstädter
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Melissa Dillenberger
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdul-Rahman T, Lawal L, Meale E, Ajetunmobi OA, Toluwalashe S, Alao UH, Ghosh S, Garg N, Aborode AT, Wireko AA, Mehta A, Sikora K. Inequitable access to Ebola vaccines and the resurgence of Ebola in Africa: A state of arts review. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28986. [PMID: 37534818 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28986] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ebola virus, a member of the filoviridae family of viruses, is responsible for causing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with a case fatality rate as high as 50%. The largest EVD outbreak was recorded in West Africa from March 2013 to June 2016, leading to over 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths. It affected several countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Until then, EVD was predominantly reported in remote villages in central and west Africa close to tropical rainforests. Human mobility, behavioral and cultural norms, the use of bushmeat, burial customs, preference for traditional remedies and treatments, and resistance to health interventions are just a few of the social factors that considerably aid and amplify the risk of transmission. The scale and persistence of recent ebola outbreaks, as well as the risk of widespread global transmission and its ability for bioterrorism, have led to a rethinking of public health strategies to curb the disease, such as the expedition of Ebola vaccine production. However, as vaccine production lags in the subcontinent, among other challenges, the risk of another ebola outbreak is likely and feared by public health authorities in the region. This review describes the inequality of vaccine production in Africa and the resurgence of EVD, emphasizing the significance of health equality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toufik Abdul-Rahman
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine
- ICORMed Collaborative, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Lukman Lawal
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Emily Meale
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Soyemi Toluwalashe
- Lagos State University of College of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ikeja, Nigeria
| | - Uthman Hassan Alao
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Neil Garg
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Andrew Awuah Wireko
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine
- ICORMed Collaborative, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Aashna Mehta
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Letafati A, Salahi Ardekani O, Karami H, Soleimani M. Ebola virus disease: A narrative review. Microb Pathog 2023:106213. [PMID: 37355146 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106213] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD), which is also referred to as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a highly contagious and frequently lethal sickness caused by the Ebola virus. In 1976, the disease emerged in two simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Subsequently, it has caused intermittent outbreaks in several African nations. The virus is primarily spread via direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual or animal. EVD is distinguished by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and hemorrhage. The outbreak of EVD in West Africa in 2014-2016 emphasized the need for effective control and prevention measures. Despite advancements and the identification of new treatments for EVD, the primary approach to treatment continues to be centered around providing supportive care. Early detection and supportive care can enhance the likelihood of survival. This includes intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and treatment of secondary infections. Experimental therapies, for instance, monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, have shown promising results in animal studies and some clinical trials. Some African countries have implemented the use of vaccines developed for EVD, but their effectiveness and long-term safety are still being studied. This article provides an overview of the history, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, and Ebola coinfection, as well as highlights the ongoing research efforts to develop effective treatments and vaccines to combat this deadly virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Salahi Ardekani
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hassan Karami
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mina Soleimani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jain S, Khaiboullina S, Martynova E, Morzunov S, Baranwal M. Epidemiology of Ebolaviruses from an Etiological Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020248. [PMID: 36839520 PMCID: PMC9963726 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020248] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the inception of the ebolavirus in 1976, 32 outbreaks have resulted in nearly 15,350 deaths in more than ten countries of the African continent. In the last decade, the largest (2013-2016) and second largest (2018-2020) ebolavirus outbreaks have occurred in West Africa (mainly Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively. The 2013-2016 outbreak indicated an alarming geographical spread of the virus and was the first to qualify as an epidemic. Hence, it is imperative to halt ebolavirus progression and develop effective countermeasures. Despite several research efforts, ebolaviruses' natural hosts and secondary reservoirs still elude the scientific world. The primary source responsible for infecting the index case is also unknown for most outbreaks. In this review, we summarize the history of ebolavirus outbreaks with a focus on etiology, natural hosts, zoonotic reservoirs, and transmission mechanisms. We also discuss the reasons why the African continent is the most affected region and identify steps to contain this virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Svetlana Khaiboullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Martynova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Sergey Morzunov
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Correspondence: (S.M.); or (M.B.); Tel.: +1-775-682-6230 (S.M.); +91-175-2393118 (M.B.); Fax: +91-175-2364498 (M.B.)
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
- Correspondence: (S.M.); or (M.B.); Tel.: +1-775-682-6230 (S.M.); +91-175-2393118 (M.B.); Fax: +91-175-2364498 (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Krähling V, Erbar S, Kupke A, Nogueira SS, Walzer KC, Berger H, Dietzel E, Halwe S, Rohde C, Sauerhering L, Aragão-Santiago L, Moreno Herrero J, Witzel S, Haas H, Becker S, Sahin U. Self-amplifying RNA vaccine protects mice against lethal Ebola virus infection. Mol Ther 2023; 31:374-386. [PMID: 36303436 PMCID: PMC9931551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.10.011] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses, such as Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV), pose a global threat and require immediate countermeasures, including the rapid development of effective vaccines that are easy to manufacture. Synthetic self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs) attend to these needs, being safe and strong immune stimulators that can be inexpensively produced in large quantities, using cell-free systems and good manufacturing practice. Here, the first goal was to develop and optimize an anti-EBOV saRNA-based vaccine in terms of its antigen composition and route of administration. Vaccinating mice with saRNAs expressing the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) alone or in combination with the nucleoprotein (NP) elicited antigen-specific immune responses. GP-specific antibodies showed neutralizing activity against EBOV. Strong CD4+ T cell response against NP and GP and CD8+ T cell response against NP were detected by ELISpot assays. Intramuscular vaccination with saRNAs conferred better immune response than intradermal. Finally, mice vaccinated in a prime-boost regimen with saRNAs encoding both GP and NP or with GP alone survived an EBOV infection. In addition, a single dose of GP and NP saRNAs was also protective against fatal EBOV infection. Overall, saRNAs expressing viral antigens represent a promising vaccine platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Krähling
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Alexandra Kupke
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Erik Dietzel
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Halwe
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Rohde
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lucie Sauerhering
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Sonja Witzel
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinrich Haas
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Adams J, Agyenkwa-Mawuli K, Agyapong O, Wilson MD, Kwofie SK. EBOLApred: A machine learning-based web application for predicting cell entry inhibitors of the Ebola virus. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 101:107766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
21
|
RNA Viruses, Pregnancy and Vaccination: Emerging Lessons from COVID-19 and Ebola Virus Disease. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070800. [PMID: 35890044 PMCID: PMC9322689 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070800] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic viruses with an RNA genome represent a challenge for global human health since they have the tremendous potential to develop into devastating pandemics/epidemics. The management of the recent COVID-19 pandemic was possible to a certain extent only because of the strong foundations laid by the research on previous viral outbreaks, especially Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). A clear understanding of the mechanisms of the host immune response generated upon viral infections is a prime requisite for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Hence, we present here a comparative study of alterations in immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola virus infections that illustrate many common features. Vaccination and pregnancy are two important aspects that need to be studied from an immunological perspective. So, we summarize the outcomes and immune responses in vaccinated and pregnant individuals in the context of COVID-19 and EVD. Considering the significance of immunomodulatory approaches in combating both these diseases, we have also presented the state of the art of such therapeutics and prophylactics. Currently, several vaccines against these viruses have been approved or are under clinical trials in various parts of the world. Therefore, we also recapitulate the latest developments in these which would inspire researchers to look for possibilities of developing vaccines against many other RNA viruses. We hope that the similar aspects in COVID-19 and EVD open up new avenues for the development of pan-viral therapies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Foster TL, Khaiboullina SF. Special Issue: 'Pathogenesis of Emerging Zoonotic Viral Infections'. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070736. [PMID: 35889982 PMCID: PMC9322879 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging zoonotic infections present a serious global health threat [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshana L. Foster
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK;
| | - Svetlana F. Khaiboullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Protein Folding Interdiction Strategy for Therapeutic Drug Development in Viral Diseases: Ebola VP40 and Influenza A M1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073906. [PMID: 35409264 PMCID: PMC8998936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073906] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In a recent paper, we proposed the folding interdiction target region (FITR) strategy for therapeutic drug design in SARS-CoV-2. This paper expands the application of the FITR strategy by proposing therapeutic drug design approaches against Ebola virus disease and influenza A. We predict target regions for folding interdicting drugs on correspondingly relevant structural proteins of both pathogenic viruses: VP40 of Ebola, and matrix protein M1 of influenza A. Identification of the protein targets employs the sequential collapse model (SCM) for protein folding. It is explained that the model predicts natural peptide candidates in each case from which to start the search for therapeutic drugs. The paper also discusses how these predictions could be tested, as well as some challenges likely to be found when designing effective therapeutic drugs from the proposed peptide candidates. The FITR strategy opens a potential new avenue for the design of therapeutic drugs that promises to be effective against infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
24
|
Düzgüneş N, Fernandez-Fuentes N, Konopka K. Inhibition of Viral Membrane Fusion by Peptides and Approaches to Peptide Design. Pathogens 2021; 10:1599. [PMID: 34959554 PMCID: PMC8709411 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of lipid-enveloped viruses with the cellular plasma membrane or the endosome membrane is mediated by viral envelope proteins that undergo large conformational changes following binding to receptors. The HIV-1 fusion protein gp41 undergoes a transition into a "six-helix bundle" after binding of the surface protein gp120 to the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor. Synthetic peptides that mimic part of this structure interfere with the formation of the helix structure and inhibit membrane fusion. This approach also works with the S spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Here we review the peptide inhibitors of membrane fusion involved in infection by influenza virus, HIV-1, MERS and SARS coronaviruses, hepatitis viruses, paramyxoviruses, flaviviruses, herpesviruses and filoviruses. We also describe recent computational methods used for the identification of peptide sequences that can interact strongly with protein interfaces, with special emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, using the PePI-Covid19 database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nejat Düzgüneş
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| | - Narcis Fernandez-Fuentes
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3EE, UK;
| | - Krystyna Konopka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| |
Collapse
|