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Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during transcriptional regulation and latency of HIV and HTLV. Retrovirology 2024; 21:5. [PMID: 38424561 PMCID: PMC10905857 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00637-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have replicative and latent stages of infection. The status of the viruses is dependent on the cells that harbour them and on different events that change the transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Non-coding (nc)RNAs are key factors in the regulation of retrovirus replication cycles. Notably, micro (mi)RNAs and long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are important regulators that can induce switches between active transcription-replication and latency of retroviruses and have important impacts on their pathogenesis. Here, we review the functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the context of HIV and HTLV. We describe how specific miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the viruses' transcription, post-transcriptional regulation and latency. We further discuss treatment strategies using ncRNAs for HIV and HTLV long remission, reactivation or possible cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio P Alpuche-Lazcano
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- National Research Council Canada, Montréal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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2
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Pei J, Tian Y, Ye W, Han J, Dang Y, Cheng T, Wang W, Zhao Y, Ye W, Huangfu S, Li Y, Zhang F, Lei Y, Qian A. A novel recombinant ORF7-siRNA delivered by flexible nano-liposomes inhibits varicella zoster virus infection. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:167. [PMID: 37700336 PMCID: PMC10496174 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a human restricted alpha-herpesvirus, causes varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). The subsequent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) due to VZV infection is excruciating for most patients. Thus, developing specific therapeutics against VZV infection is imperative. RNA interference (RNAi) represents an effective approach for alternative antiviral therapy. This study aimed to develop a novel anti-VZV therapeutics based on RNAi. RESULTS In this study, we screened and found the open reading frame 7 (ORF7) of the VZV genome was an ideal antiviral target based on RNAi. Therefore, a novel siRNA targeting ORF7 (si-ORF7) was designed to explore the potential of RNAi antiviral treatment strategy toward VZV. We used a bio-engineering approach to manufacture recombinant siRNA agents with high yield in E. coli. Then, the efficacy of recombinant ORF7-siRNA (r/si-ORF7) in inhibiting VZV infection both in cellular level and 3D human epidermal skin model was evaluated. The r/si-ORF7 was proved to inhibit the VZV replication and reduce the virus copy numbers significantly in vitro. Furthermore, flexible nano-liposomes were established to deliver r/si-ORF7 to 3D human epidermal skin model and found r/si-ORF7 also could inhibit the VZV infection, thus maintaining normal skin morphology. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results highlighted that transdermal administration of antiviral r/si-ORF7 was a promising therapeutic strategy for functional cure of VZV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Pei
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Tian
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiangfan Han
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yamei Dang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yipu Zhao
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiliang Ye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuyuan Huangfu
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Fanglin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Airong Qian
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Cisneros E, Sherwani N, Lanier OL, Peppas NA. Targeted delivery methods for RNA interference are necessary to obtain a potential functional cure for HIV/AIDS. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114970. [PMID: 37385543 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is of great interest in many different therapeutic areas including infectious diseases such as immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Thanks to current, advanced treatments for HIV, the diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. However, even with these treatments, latency is suggested to persist in T-lymphocyte-rich tissues including gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), spleen, and bone marrow making HIV an incurable disease. Therefore, it is important to design systems that can effectively deliver therapeutics to these tissues to fight latent infection and find a functional cure. Numerous therapeutics ranging from small molecules to cell therapies have been explored as a cure for HIV but have failed to maintain therapeutic longevity. RNA interference (RNAi) provides a unique opportunity to achieve a functional cure for those who suffer from chronic HIV/AIDS by suppressing replication of the virus. However, RNA has certain imitations in delivery as it cannot be delivered without a carrier due to its negative charge and degradation from endogenous nucleases. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of explored systems for siRNA delivery for HIV/AIDS in the context of RNA therapeutic design and nanoparticle design. In addition, we suggest strategies that should be used to target specific tissues that are rich in lymphatic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Cisneros
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Najia Sherwani
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Olivia L Lanier
- Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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4
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Gaikwad SY, Phatak P, Mukherjee A. Cutting edge strategies for screening of novel anti-HIV drug candidates against HIV infection: A concise overview of cell based assays. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16027. [PMID: 37215829 PMCID: PMC10195898 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy has majorly contributed towards reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infected people, thus improving the quality of their life. Still, the eradication of HIV infection has not been achieved due to some important limitations such as non-adherence to therapy, cellular toxicity, restricted bioavailability of antiretroviral drugs and emergence of drug resistant viruses. Moreover, persistence of latent HIV-reservoirs even under antiviral-drug pressure is the major obstacle in HIV cure. Currently used antiretrovirals can suppress the viral replication in activated CD4+ cells, however, it has been observed that the available antiretroviral therapy appears inadequate to reduce latent reservoirs established in resting memory CD4+ T cells. Therefore, for eradication or reduction of latent reservoirs many immunotherapeutic and pharmacologic approaches including latency reversing agents are being studied constantly. Additionally, promising therapeutic strategies including discovery of novel drugs and drug targets are continuously being explored. Therefore, preclinical testing has become an important step of drug development process, continuously demanding innovative, but less time consuming evaluation strategies. Present review attempts to gather and line-up the information on existing cell-based methodologies applied for assessing drug candidates for their antiretroviral potential. Further, we intend to outline the advanced and reliable cell based methodologies that would expedite the process of discovery and development of antiretrovirals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anupam Mukherjee
- Corresponding author. Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Plot No. 73, 'G' Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, Maharashtra, India.
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5
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Jai J, Shirleen D, Hanbali C, Wijaya P, Anginan TB, Husada W, Pratama MY. Multiplexed shRNA-miRs as a candidate for anti HIV-1 therapy: strategies, challenges, and future potential. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:172. [PMID: 36576612 PMCID: PMC9797628 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The spread of HIV is on the rise and has become a global issue, especially for underdeveloped and developing countries. This is due to the fact that HIV majorly occurs asymptomatically and is implausible for early diagnosis. Recent advances in research and science have enabled the investigation of a new potential treatment involving gene-based therapy, known as RNA interference (RNAi) that will direct gene silencing and further compensate for natural variants and viral mutants. Several types of small regulatory RNA are discussed in this present study, including microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA).This paper examines the mechanism of RNAi as a viable HIV therapy, using a minimum of four shRNAs to target both dispensable host components (CCR5) and viral genes (Gag, Env, Tat, Pol I, Pol II and Vif). Moreover, a multiplexed mechanism of shRNAs and miRNA is known to be effective in preventing viral escape due to mutation as the miRNA develops a general polycistronic platform for the expression of a large amount of shRNA-miRs. Several administration methods as well as the advantages of this RNAi treatment are also discussed in this study. The administration methods include (1) ex vivo delivery with the help of viral vectors, nanoparticles, and electroporation, (2) nonspecific in vivo delivery using non-viral carriers including liposomes, dendrimers and aptamers, as well as (3) targeted delivery that uses antibodies, modified nanoparticles, nucleic acid aptamers, and tissue-specific serotypes of AAV. Moreover, the advantages of this treatment are related to the effectiveness in silencing the HIV gene, which is more compatible compared to other gene therapy treatments, such as ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Jai
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Deborah Shirleen
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Christian Hanbali
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Pamela Wijaya
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Theresia Brigita Anginan
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - William Husada
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Yogi Pratama
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia ,grid.240324.30000 0001 2109 4251Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA
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6
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Targeted Nanocarrier Delivery of RNA Therapeutics to Control HIV Infection. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071352. [PMID: 35890248 PMCID: PMC9324444 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071352] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of HIV infection has greatly advanced since the discovery of the virus in 1983. Treatment options have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS, turning it from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable infection. Despite all this progress, a cure remains elusive. A major barrier to attaining an HIV cure is the presence of the latent viral reservoir, which is established early in infection and persists for the lifetime of the host, even during prolonged anti-viral therapy. Different cure strategies are currently being explored to eliminate or suppress this reservoir. Several studies have shown that a functional cure may be achieved by preventing infection and also inhibiting reactivation of the virus from the latent reservoir. Here, we briefly describe the main HIV cure strategies, focussing on the use of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) to maintain HIV permanently in a state of super latency, and CRISPR gRNA to excise the latent reservoir. A challenge with progressing RNA therapeutics to the clinic is achieving effective delivery into the host cell. This review covers recent nanotechnological strategies for siRNA delivery using liposomes, N-acetylgalactosamine conjugation, inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based nanocapsules. We further discuss the opportunities and challenges of those strategies for HIV treatment.
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7
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Crespo R, Rao S, Mahmoudi T. HibeRNAtion: HIV-1 RNA Metabolism and Viral Latency. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855092. [PMID: 35774399 PMCID: PMC9237370 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection remains non-curative due to the latent reservoir, primarily a small pool of resting memory CD4+ T cells bearing replication-competent provirus. Pharmacological reversal of HIV-1 latency followed by intrinsic or extrinsic cell killing has been proposed as a promising strategy to target and eliminate HIV-1 viral reservoirs. Latency reversing agents have been extensively studied for their role in reactivating HIV-1 transcription in vivo, although no permanent reduction of the viral reservoir has been observed thus far. This is partly due to the complex nature of latency, which involves strict intrinsic regulation at multiple levels at transcription and RNA processing. Still, the molecular mechanisms that control HIV-1 latency establishment and maintenance have been almost exclusively studied in the context of chromatin remodeling, transcription initiation and elongation and most known LRAs target LTR-driven transcription by manipulating these. RNA metabolism is a largely understudies but critical mechanistic step in HIV-1 gene expression and latency. In this review we provide an update on current knowledge on the role of RNA processing mechanisms in viral gene expression and latency and speculate on the possible manipulation of these pathways as a therapeutic target for future cure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shringar Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tokameh Mahmoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Tokameh Mahmoudi,
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8
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de Brito e Cunha D, Frederico ABT, Azamor T, Melgaço JG, da Costa Neves PC, Bom APDA, Tilli TM, Missailidis S. Biotechnological Evolution of siRNA Molecules: From Bench Tool to the Refined Drug. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050575. [PMID: 35631401 PMCID: PMC9146980 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The depth and versatility of siRNA technologies enable their use in disease targets that are undruggable by small molecules or that seek to achieve a refined turn-off of the genes for any therapeutic area. Major extracellular barriers are enzymatic degradation of siRNAs by serum endonucleases and RNAases, renal clearance of the siRNA delivery system, the impermeability of biological membranes for siRNA, activation of the immune system, plasma protein sequestration, and capillary endothelium crossing. To overcome the intrinsic difficulties of the use of siRNA molecules, therapeutic applications require nanometric delivery carriers aiming to protect double-strands and deliver molecules to target cells. This review discusses the history of siRNAs, siRNA design, and delivery strategies, with a focus on progress made regarding siRNA molecules in clinical trials and how siRNA has become a valuable asset for biopharmaceutical companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle de Brito e Cunha
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Ana Beatriz Teixeira Frederico
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Tamiris Azamor
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Juliana Gil Melgaço
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Patricia Cristina da Costa Neves
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Ana Paula Dinis Ano Bom
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Tatiana Martins Tilli
- Translational Oncology Platform, Center for Technological Development in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2562-1312
| | - Sotiris Missailidis
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (D.d.B.e.C.); (A.B.T.F.); (T.A.); (J.G.M.); (P.C.d.C.N.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (S.M.)
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9
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Lei L, Cheng A, Wang M, Jia R. The Influence of Host miRNA Binding to RNA Within RNA Viruses on Virus Multiplication. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:802149. [PMID: 35531344 PMCID: PMC9069554 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.802149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNAs about 22 nt long, regulate the post-transcription expression of genes to influence many cellular processes. The expression of host miRNAs is affected by virus invasion, which also affects virus replication. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that miRNA influences RNA virus multiplication by binding directly to the RNA virus genome. Here, the knowledge relating to miRNAs’ relationships between host miRNAs and RNA viruses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lei
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Renyong Jia,
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10
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Wang Q, Su Q, Liu B, Li Y, Sun W, Liu Y, Xue R, Chang S, Wang Y, Zhao P. Enhanced Antiviral Ability by a Combination of Zidovudine and Short Hairpin RNA Targeting Avian Leukosis Virus. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:808982. [PMID: 35250911 PMCID: PMC8889011 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.808982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian leukosis virus (ALV) causes tumor diseases in poultry and is circulating all over the world, leading to significant economic losses. In addition, mixed infection of ALV with other viruses is very common and is often reported to contaminate live vaccines. At present, there is no effective method to suppress the replication of ALV in vitro, so it is very difficult to remove it in mixed infection. As a retrovirus, the replication of ALV can be limited by reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors like zidovudine (AZT), but it also causes nontargeted cytotoxicity. To find the optimal solution in cytotoxicity and inhibition efficiency in vitro culture system, we firstly designed a combination therapy of AZT and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting ALV and then verified its efficiency by multiple biological methods. Results showed that shRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of RT and then limit the replication of ALV. The combination of AZT and shRNA can significantly improve the antiviral efficiency in viral replication, shedding, and provirus assembly under the condition of low cytotoxicity. Overall, in this study, the combination therapy of AZT and shRNA targeting ALV showed excellent antiviral performance against ALV in vitro culture system. This method can be applied to multiple scenarios, such as the removal of ALV in mixed infection or the purification of contaminated vaccine strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Qi Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Bowen Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Wanli Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Yanxue Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Ruyu Xue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Shuang Chang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, China
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11
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Xun J, Zhang X, Guo S, Lu H, Chen J. Editing out HIV: application of gene editing technology to achieve functional cure. Retrovirology 2021; 18:39. [PMID: 34922576 PMCID: PMC8684261 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-021-00581-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) successfully suppresses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and improves the quality of life of patients living with HIV. However, current HAART does not eradicate HIV infection because an HIV reservoir is established in latently infected cells and is not recognized by the immune system. The successful curative treatment of the Berlin and London patients following bone marrow transplantation inspired researchers to identify an approach for the functional cure of HIV. As a promising technology, gene editing-based strategies have attracted considerable attention and sparked much debate. Herein, we discuss the development of different gene editing strategies in the functional cure of HIV and highlight the potential for clinical applications prospects. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingna Xun
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Shanghai, 201508, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Shuyan Guo
- Shanghai Foreign Language School, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Shanghai, 201508, China.
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12
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Soobramoney C, Parboosing R. siRNAs and viruses: The good, the bad and the way forward. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:143-158. [PMID: 33881977 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210420113427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There are no available antivirals for many viruses or strains, while current antivirals are limited by toxicity and drug resistance. Therefore, alternative strategies, such as RNA interference (RNAi) are required. RNAi suppresses gene expression of any mRNA, making it an attractive candidate for antiviral therapeutics. Studies have evaluated siRNAs in a range of viruses, with some showing promising results. However, issues with stability and delivery of siRNAs remain. These may be minimized by modifying the siRNA structure, using an efficient delivery vector and targeting multiple regions of a virus's genome in a single dose. Finding these solutions could accelerate the progress of RNAi-based antivirals. This review highlights selected examples of antiviral siRNAs, limitations of RNAi and strategies to overcome these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu Natal/ National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Could gene therapy cure HIV? Life Sci 2021; 277:119451. [PMID: 33811896 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed almost 33 million lives so far. According to the recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, about 38 million people are living with AIDS. Hence, finding a solution to overcome this life-threatening virus can save millions of lives. Scientists and medical doctors have prescribed HIV patients with specific drugs for many years. Methods such antiretroviral therapy (ART) or latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have been used for a while to treat HIV patients, however they have some side effects and drawbacks causing their application to be not quite successful. Instead, the application of gene therapy which refers to the utilization of the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids into a patient's cells as a drug to treat disease has shown promising results to control HIV infection. Therefore, in this review, we will summarize recent advances in gene therapy approach against HIV.
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14
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Goguen RP, Gatignol A, Scarborough RJ. Cloning and Detection of Aptamer-Ribozyme Conjugations. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2167:253-267. [PMID: 32712924 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0716-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RNA aptamers can be used to target proteins or nucleic acids for therapeutic purposes and are candidates for RNA-mediated gene therapy. Like other small therapeutic RNAs, they can be expressed in cells from DNA templates that include a cellular promoter upstream of the RNA coding sequence. Secondary structures flanking aptamers can be used to enhance the activity or stability of these molecules. Notably, flanking self-cleaving ribozymes to remove extraneous nucleotides included during transcription as well as flanking hairpins to improve RNA stability have been used to increase the effect of therapeutic aptamers. Here we describe the cloning procedure of aptamers containing different flanking secondary structures and methods to compare their expression levels by a northern blot protocol optimized for the detection of small RNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Goguen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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15
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Goguen RP, Del Corpo O, Malard CMG, Daher A, Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Chen MJ, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. Efficacy, accumulation, and transcriptional profile of anti-HIV shRNAs expressed from human U6, 7SK, and H1 promoters. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:1020-1034. [PMID: 33614248 PMCID: PMC7868930 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in cells has many potential therapeutic applications, including as a functional cure for HIV. The RNA polymerase III promoters H1, 7SK, and U6 have all been used to express shRNAs. However, there have been no direct and simultaneous comparisons of shRNA potency, expression level, and transcriptional profile between the promoters. We show that the 7SK and U6 promoters result in higher shRNA levels and potency compared to the H1 promoter but that in transduced T lymphocytes, higher expression levels can also lead to growth defects. We present evidence that Dicer cleavage of shRNAs is measured from the first base pair in the shRNA stem, rather than from the 5' end as previously shown for structurally related microRNAs. As a result, guide-strand identity was unaffected by variations in 5' transcription start sites among the different promoters, making expression levels the main determinant of shRNA potency. While all promoters generated shRNAs with variable start sites, the U6 promoter was the most accurate in using its intended +1 position. Our results have implications for the development of therapeutic small RNAs for gene therapy and for our understanding of how shRNAs are processed in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Goguen
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Olivier Del Corpo
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Camille M G Malard
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Aïcha Daher
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sergio P Alpuche-Lazcano
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Michelle J Chen
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
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16
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Therapeutic Modalities for Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19): Current Status and Role of Protease Inhibitors to Block Viral Entry Into Host Cells. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.14.3.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An acute respiratory disease (SARS-CoV-2, also recognized as COVID-19/2019-nCoV), caused by nCoV created a worldwide emergency. The World Health Organization declared the SARS-CoV-2 as epidemic of international concern on January 2020. After SARS-CoV in 2002 and MERS-CoV in 2012, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 is marked as third highly pathogenic coronavirus of 21st century. Till now, various researches have been conducted, highlighting SARS-CoV-2 as β-coronavirus with high phylogenetic and genomic similarity with bat-CoV, indicating bats as natural reservoir of coronaviruses. It has also been confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 uses the same (ACE2) receptor for host cellular entry as of SARS-CoV, and primarily spread through respiratory pathway. Evidences shows continuous human-to-human viral transfer, with numerous worldwide exported cases. Currently, there is no specific approved drug available for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, but various anti-parasitic and anti-viral drugs are being investigated. In this review, we have described several possible therapeutic modalities for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on (i) host protease inhibitors to block viral entry into the cell; (ii) gene silencing using siRNA-based RNAi and (iii) type I interferons (IFN1)-based therapeutics have been discussed in detail. Background knowledge on these strategies highlight them as potential therapeutic targets, which could be evaluated on urgent basis to combat COVID-19 epidemic.
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17
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Barbu MG, Condrat CE, Thompson DC, Bugnar OL, Cretoiu D, Toader OD, Suciu N, Voinea SC. MicroRNA Involvement in Signaling Pathways During Viral Infection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:143. [PMID: 32211411 PMCID: PMC7075948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of miRNAs started in 1993, when Lee et al. observed their involvement in the downregulation of a crucial protein known as LIN-14 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since then, great progress has been made regarding research on microRNAs, which are now known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes in both animals and humans. One such example is represented by their interaction with various signaling pathways during viral infections. It has been observed that these pathogens can induce the up-/downregulation of various host miRNAs in order to elude the host's immune system. In contrast, some miRNAs studied could have an antiviral effect, enabling the defense mechanisms to fight the infection or, at the very least, they could induce the pathogen to enter a latent state. At the same time, some viruses encode their own miRNAs, which could further modulate the host's signaling pathways, thus favoring the survival and replication of the virus. The goal of this extensive literature review was to present how miRNAs are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways in some of the most important and well-studied human viral infections. Further on, knowing which miRNAs are involved in various viral infections and what role they play could aid in the development of antiviral therapeutic agents for certain diseases that do not have a definitive cure in the present. The clinical applications of miRNAs are extremely important, as miRNAs targeted inhibition may have substantial therapeutic impact. Inhibition of miRNAs can be achieved through many different methods, but chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides have shown the most prominent effects. Though scientists are far from completely understanding all the molecular mechanisms behind the complex cross-talks between miRNA pathways and viral infections, the general knowledge is increasing on the different roles played by miRNAs during viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Gabriela Barbu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Condrat
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Claudia Thompson
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Larisa Bugnar
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Daniela Toader
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Suciu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Cristian Voinea
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Del Corpo O, Goguen RP, Malard CMG, Daher A, Colby-Germinario S, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. A U1i RNA that Enhances HIV-1 RNA Splicing with an Elongated Recognition Domain Is an Optimal Candidate for Combination HIV-1 Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:815-830. [PMID: 31734561 PMCID: PMC6861678 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
U1 interference (U1i) RNAs can be designed to correct splicing defects and target pathogenic RNA, such as HIV-1 RNA. In this study, we show that U1i RNAs that enhance HIV-1 RNA splicing are more effective at inhibiting HIV-1 production compared to top U1i RNAs that inhibit polyadenylation of HIV-1 RNA. A U1i RNA was also identified targeting a site upstream of the first splice acceptor site in the Gag coding region that was effective at inhibiting HIV-1 production. U1-T6, which enhanced HIV-1 RNA splicing, was superior to an antiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) currently in clinical trials. To increase specificity, the recognition domain of U1-T6 was elongated by 3–6 nt. The elongated molecules inhibited HIV-1 production from different HIV-1 strains, including one with a mismatch in the target site. These results suggest that lengthening the recognition domain can enhance the specificity of U1i RNAs for their intended target sites while at the same time allowing them to tolerate single mismatch mutations. Overall, our results demonstrate that U1-T6 with an elongated recognition domain inhibits HIV-1 production and has both the efficacy and specificity to be a promising candidate for HIV-1 gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Del Corpo
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Ryan P Goguen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Camille M G Malard
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Aïcha Daher
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | | | - Robert J Scarborough
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
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19
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Olson A, Basukala B, Wong WW, Henderson AJ. Targeting HIV-1 proviral transcription. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:89-96. [PMID: 31473372 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of antiretroviral therapies, there is no cure for HIV-1 infection due to the establishment of a long-lived latent reservoir that fuels viral rebound upon treatment interruption. 'Shock-and-kill' strategies to diminish the latent reservoir have had modest impact on the reservoir leading to considerations of alternative approaches to target HIV-1 proviruses. This review explores approaches to target HIV-1 transcription as a way to block the provirus expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Olson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Binita Basukala
- Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, Boston University, United States
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, United States
| | - Andrew J Henderson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States.
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20
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Small RNAs to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by gene therapy. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:10-20. [PMID: 31112858 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Current drug therapies for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection are effective in preventing progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome but do not eliminate the infection and are associated with unwanted side effects. A potential alternative is to modify the genome of patient cells via gene therapy to confer HIV resistance to these cells. Small RNAs are the largest and most diverse group of anti-HIV genes that have been developed for engineering HIV resistant cells. In this review, we summarize progress on the three major classes of anti-HIV RNAs including short hairpin RNAs that use the RNA interference pathway, RNA decoys and aptamers that bind specifically to a protein or RNA as well as ribozymes that mediate cleavage of specific targets. We also review methods used for the delivery of these genes into the genome of patient cells and provide some perspectives on the future of small RNAs in HIV therapy.
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21
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Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Vicente-Pascual M, Gómez-Aguado I, Battaglia LS, Solinís MÁ. Gene Therapy. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 171:321-368. [PMID: 31492963 DOI: 10.1007/10_2019_109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs) are one of the most promising biopharmaceuticals, which are beginning to show encouraging results. The broad clinical research activity has been addressed mainly to cancer, primarily to those cancers that do not respond well to conventional treatment. GTMPs to treat rare disorders caused by single-gene mutations have also made important advancements toward market availability, with eye and hematopoietic system diseases as the main applications.Nucleic acid-marketed products are based on both in vivo and ex vivo strategies. Apart from DNA-based therapies, antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, and, recently, T-cell-based therapies have been also marketed. Moreover, the gene-editing tool CRISPR is boosting the development of new gene therapy-based medicines, and it is expected to have a substantial impact on the gene therapy biopharmaceutical market in the near future.However, despite the important advancements of gene therapy, many challenges have still to be overcome, which are discussed in this book chapter. Issues such as efficacy and safety of the gene delivery systems and manufacturing capacity of biotechnological companies to produce viral vectors are usually considered, but problems related to cost and patient affordability must be also faced to ensure the success of this emerging therapy. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Mónica Vicente-Pascual
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Luigi S Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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22
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Patters BJ, Kumar S. The role of exosomal transport of viral agents in persistent HIV pathogenesis. Retrovirology 2018; 15:79. [PMID: 30577804 PMCID: PMC6303896 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, despite great advances in antiretroviral therapy, remains a lifelong affliction. Though current treatment regimens can effectively suppress viral load to undetectable levels and preserve healthy immune function, they cannot fully alleviate all symptoms caused by the presence of the virus, such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Exosomes are small vesicles that transport cellular proteins, RNA, and small molecules between cells as a mechanism of intercellular communication. Recent research has shown that HIV proteins and RNA can be packaged into exosomes and transported between cells, to pathogenic effect. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the diverse mechanisms involved in the sorting of viral elements into exosomes and the damage those exosomal agents can inflict. In addition, potential therapeutic options to counteract exosome-mediated HIV pathogenesis are reviewed and considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Patters
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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23
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Yuan L, Feng X, Gao X, Luo Y, Liu C, Liu P, Yang G, Ren H, Huang R, Feng Y, Yang J. Effective inhibition of different Japanese encephalitis virus genotypes by RNA interference targeting two conserved viral gene sequences in vitro and in vivo. Virus Genes 2018; 54:746-755. [PMID: 30229544 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-1602-z] [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: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne, infectious disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is prevalent in China. At present, there are no specific drugs or therapies for JEV infection, which can only be treated symptomatically. Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly efficient method to silence target genes. In this study, two lentiviral shRNA, LV-C and LV-NS5, targeting the conserved viral gene sequences were used to inhibit different JEV genotypes strains in BHK21 cells and mice. The results showed that LV-C significantly inhibited JEV genotype I and genotype III strains in cells and mice. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that JEV mRNA were reduced by 83.2-90.9% in cells by LV-C and that flow cytometry analysis confirmed the inhibitory activity of LV-C. The viral titers were reduced by about 1000-fold in cells and the brains of suckling mice by LV-C, and the pretreatment of LV-C protected 60-80% of mice against JEV-induced lethality. The inhibitory activities of LV-NS5 in cells and mice were weaker than those of LV-C. These results indicate that RNAi targeting of the two conserved viral gene sequences had significantly suppressed the replication of different JEV genotypes strains in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the feasibility of RNAi targeting of conserved viral gene sequences for controlling JEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yuan
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Xiaojuan Feng
- Medical Functional Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Xuelian Gao
- Department of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Chaoyue Liu
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Guolin Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Laboratory Animal Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Yalan Feng
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Pathogen and Immunology Experiment Teaching Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, China.
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Levanova A, Poranen MM. RNA Interference as a Prospective Tool for the Control of Human Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2151. [PMID: 30254624 PMCID: PMC6141738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), which is mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) derived from viral genome or its replicative intermediates, is a natural antiviral defense in plants, fungi, and invertebrates. Whether RNAi naturally protects humans from viral invasion is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, exogenous siRNAs are able to halt viral infection in mammals. The current review critically evaluates the production of antiviral siRNAs, delivery techniques to the infection sites, as well as provides an overview of antiviral siRNAs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Levanova
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Poranen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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25
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CCR5 Revisited: How Mechanisms of HIV Entry Govern AIDS Pathogenesis. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:2557-2589. [PMID: 29932942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CCR5 has been the focus of intensive studies since its role as a coreceptor for HIV entry was discovered in 1996. These studies lead to the development of small molecular drugs targeting CCR5, with maraviroc becoming in 2007 the first clinically approved chemokine receptor inhibitor. More recently, the apparent HIV cure in a patient transplanted with hematopoietic stem cells devoid of functional CCR5 rekindled the interest for inactivating CCR5 through gene therapy and pharmacological approaches. Fundamental research on CCR5 has also been boosted by key advances in the field of G-protein coupled receptor research, with the realization that CCR5 adopts a variety of conformations, and that only a subset of these conformations may be targeted by chemokine ligands. In addition, recent genetic and pathogenesis studies have emphasized the central role of CCR5 expression levels in determining the risk of HIV and SIV acquisition and disease progression. In this article, we propose to review the key properties of CCR5 that account for its central role in HIV pathogenesis, with a focus on mechanisms that regulate CCR5 expression, conformation, and interaction with HIV envelope glycoproteins.
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26
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Paradise BD, Barham W, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Targeting Epigenetic Aberrations in Pancreatic Cancer, a New Path to Improve Patient Outcomes? Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050128. [PMID: 29710783 PMCID: PMC5977101 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among all types of cancers. The disease is highly aggressive and typically diagnosed in late stage making it difficult to treat. Currently, the vast majority of therapeutic regimens have only modest curative effects, and most of them are in the surgical/neo-adjuvant setting. There is a great need for new and more effective treatment strategies in common clinical practice. Previously, pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer was attributed solely to genetic mutations; however, recent advancements in the field have demonstrated that aberrant activation of epigenetic pathways contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of the disease. The identification of these aberrant activated epigenetic pathways has revealed enticing targets for the use of epigenetic inhibitors to mitigate the phenotypic changes driven by these cascades. These pathways have been found to be responsible for overactivation of growth signaling pathways and silencing of tumor suppressors and other cell cycle checkpoints. Furthermore, new miRNA signatures have been uncovered in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, further widening the window for therapeutic opportunity. There has been success in preclinical settings using both epigenetic inhibitors as well as miRNAs to slow disease progression and eliminate diseased tissues. In addition to their utility as anti-proliferative agents, the pharmacological inhibitors that target epigenetic regulators (referred to here as readers, writers, and erasers for their ability to recognize, deposit, and remove post-translational modifications) have the potential to reconfigure the epigenetic landscape of diseased cells and disrupt the cancerous phenotype. The potential to “reprogram” cancer cells to revert them to a healthy state presents great promise and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke D Paradise
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Whitney Barham
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Martín E Fernandez-Zapico
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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27
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Saturnino C, Grande F, Aquaro S, Caruso A, Iacopetta D, Bonomo MG, Longo P, Schols D, Sinicropi MS. Chloro-1,4-dimethyl-9H-carbazole Derivatives Displaying Anti-HIV Activity. Molecules 2018; 23:E286. [PMID: 29385738 PMCID: PMC6017966 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the progress achieved by anti-retroviral drug research in the last decades, the discovery of novel compounds endowed with selective antiviral activity and reduced side effects is still a necessity. At present, the most urgent requirement includes the improvement of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevention and sexual transmission and the development of new drugs to treat the chronic lifelong infection. METHODS Six chloro-1,4-dimethyl-9H-carbazoles (2a,b-4a,b) have been prepared following opportunely modified known chemical procedures and tested in luciferase and Escherichia coli β-galactosidase expressing CD4⁺, CXCR4⁺, CCR5⁺ TZM-bl cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION a preliminary biological investigation on the synthesized small series of chloro-1,4-dimethyl-9H-carbazoles has been carried out. Among all tested compounds, a nitro-derivative (3b) showed the most interesting profile representing a suitable lead for the development of novel anti-HIV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Anna Caruso
- Department of Pharmacy, Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | | | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy.
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
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