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Wu Y, Taisne C, Mahtal N, Forrester A, Lussignol M, Cintrat JC, Esclatine A, Gillet D, Barbier J. Autophagic Degradation Is Involved in Cell Protection against Ricin Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050304. [PMID: 37235339 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a complex and highly regulated degradative process, which acts as a survival pathway in response to cellular stress, starvation and pathogen infection. Ricin toxin is a plant toxin produced by the castor bean and classified as a category B biothreat agent. Ricin toxin inhibits cellular protein synthesis by catalytically inactivating ribosomes, leading to cell death. Currently, there is no licensed treatment for patients exposed to ricin. Ricin-induced apoptosis has been extensively studied; however, whether its intoxication via protein synthesis inhibition affects autophagy is not yet resolved. In this work, we demonstrated that ricin intoxication is accompanied by its own autophagic degradation in mammalian cells. Autophagy deficiency, by knocking down ATG5, attenuates ricin degradation, thus aggravating ricin-induced cytotoxicity. Additionally, the autophagy inducer SMER28 (Small Molecule Enhancer 28) partially protects cells against ricin cytotoxicity, an effect not observed in autophagy-deficient cells. These results demonstrate that autophagic degradation acts as a survival response of cells against ricin intoxication. This suggests that stimulation of autophagic degradation may be a strategy to counteract ricin intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
- Institute of Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230001, China
| | - Clémence Taisne
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Nassim Mahtal
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Alison Forrester
- Research Unit of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (URBC), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Marion Lussignol
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Cintrat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SCBM, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Audrey Esclatine
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Daniel Gillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Julien Barbier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
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Gal Y, Mazor O, Falach R, Sapoznikov A, Kronman C, Sabo T. Treatments for Pulmonary Ricin Intoxication: Current Aspects and Future Prospects. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E311. [PMID: 28972558 PMCID: PMC5666358 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin, a plant-derived toxin originating from the seeds of Ricinus communis (castor beans), is one of the most lethal toxins known, particularly if inhaled. Ricin is considered a potential biological threat agent due to its high availability and ease of production. The clinical manifestation of pulmonary ricin intoxication in animal models is closely related to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which involves pulmonary proinflammatory cytokine upregulation, massive neutrophil infiltration and severe edema. Currently, the only post-exposure measure that is effective against pulmonary ricinosis at clinically relevant time-points following intoxication in pre-clinical studies is passive immunization with anti-ricin neutralizing antibodies. The efficacy of this antitoxin treatment depends on antibody affinity and the time of treatment initiation within a limited therapeutic time window. Small-molecule compounds that interfere directly with the toxin or inhibit its intracellular trafficking may also be beneficial against ricinosis. Another approach relies on the co-administration of antitoxin antibodies with immunomodulatory drugs, thereby neutralizing the toxin while attenuating lung injury. Immunomodulators and other pharmacological-based treatment options should be tailored according to the particular pathogenesis pathways of pulmonary ricinosis. This review focuses on the current treatment options for pulmonary ricin intoxication using anti-ricin antibodies, disease-modifying countermeasures, anti-ricin small molecules and their various combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Gal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Ohad Mazor
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Reut Falach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Anita Sapoznikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Chanoch Kronman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Tamar Sabo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
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Barnewall RE, Riffle CG, Jones RL, Guistino DJ, Chou RM, Anderson MS, Vassar ML, Howland CA. Biochemical and aerosol characterization of ricin for use in non-clinical efficacy studies. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017; 31. [PMID: 28881502 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21980] [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: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ricin toxin may be used as a biological warfare agent and no medical countermeasures are currently available. Here, a well-characterized lot of ricin was aerosolized to determine the delivered dose for future pre-clinical efficacy studies. Mouse intraperitoneal (IP) median lethal dose (LD50 ) bioassay measured potency at 5.62 and 7.35 μg/kg on Days 0 and 365, respectively. Additional analyses included total protein, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and rabbit reticulocyte lysate activity assay. The nebulizer aerosol produced consistent concentrations (2.5 × 103 , 5.0 × 103 , 1.0 × 104 , and 1.5 × 104 μg/mL) and spray factor values. The aerosol particle size distribution was of sufficient size to deposit in lung alveoli (1.12-1.43 μm). Ricinus communis Agglutinin II (RCA 60), prepared at 19 mg/mL in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.8, and stored at -70°C, maintained attributes for toxicity following 1-year storage and aerosolized consistently.
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Gupta N, Noël R, Goudet A, Hinsinger K, Michau A, Pons V, Abdelkafi H, Secher T, Shima A, Shtanko O, Sakurai Y, Cojean S, Pomel S, Liévin-Le Moal V, Leignel V, Herweg JA, Fischer A, Johannes L, Harrison K, Beard PM, Clayette P, Le Grand R, Rayner JO, Rudel T, Vacus J, Loiseau PM, Davey RA, Oswald E, Cintrat JC, Barbier J, Gillet D. Inhibitors of retrograde trafficking active against ricin and Shiga toxins also protect cells from several viruses, Leishmania and Chlamydiales. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 267:96-103. [PMID: 27712998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Medical countermeasures to treat biothreat agent infections require broad-spectrum therapeutics that do not induce agent resistance. A cell-based high-throughput screen (HTS) against ricin toxin combined with hit optimization allowed selection of a family of compounds that meet these requirements. The hit compound Retro-2 and its derivatives have been demonstrated to be safe in vivo in mice even at high doses. Moreover, Retro-2 is an inhibitor of retrograde transport that affects syntaxin-5-dependent toxins and pathogens. As a consequence, it has a broad-spectrum activity that has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo against ricin, Shiga toxin-producing O104:H4 entero-hemorrhagic E. coli and Leishmania sp. and in vitro against Ebola, Marburg and poxviruses and Chlamydiales. An effect is anticipated on other toxins or pathogens that use retrograde trafficking and syntaxin-5. Since Retro-2 targets cell components of the host and not directly the pathogen, no selection of resistant pathogens is expected. These lead compounds need now to be developed as drugs for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Gupta
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Romain Noël
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Amélie Goudet
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Karen Hinsinger
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Aurélien Michau
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Valérie Pons
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Hajer Abdelkafi
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | | | | | - Olena Shtanko
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Sandrine Cojean
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076, CNRS BioCIS, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076, CNRS BioCIS, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Vanessa Liévin-Le Moal
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076, CNRS BioCIS, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Véronique Leignel
- DRUGABILIS (French Research Performer SME), F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jo-Ana Herweg
- University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annette Fischer
- University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Endocytic Trafficking and Therapeutic Delivery Group, 26 rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris Cedex 05, France; CNRS, UMR3666, F-75005, Paris, France; INSERM, U1143, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Kate Harrison
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa M Beard
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; The Pirbright Institute, Ash Rd, Pirbright, Surrey GH24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Clayette
- ImmunoPharmacology and Biosafety Laboratory, BERTIN Pharma, CEA, F-92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Roger Le Grand
- Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, CEA, U1184, Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Infrastructure, F-92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; INSERM, U1184, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; University of Paris South, U1184, F-92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Vaccine Research Institute, Henri Mondor Hospital, F-94010, Créteil, France
| | - Jonathan O Rayner
- Infectious Disease Research, Southern Research, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Thomas Rudel
- University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joël Vacus
- DRUGABILIS (French Research Performer SME), F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076, CNRS BioCIS, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Robert A Davey
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Cintrat
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Julien Barbier
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Daniel Gillet
- Institute of Biology and Technology of Saclay (IBITECS), CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif Sur Yvette, France.
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5
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Abrin and Ricin: Understanding Their Toxicity, Diagnosis, and Treatment. BIOLOGICAL TOXINS AND BIOTERRORISM 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5869-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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6
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Vivekananda J, Salgado C, Millenbaugh NJ. DNA aptamers as a novel approach to neutralize Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 444:433-8. [PMID: 24472539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen capable of causing a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from superficial skin infections to life threatening conditions such as endocarditis, septicemia, pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome. In vitro and in vivo studies identified an exotoxin, α-toxin, as a major cause of S. aureus toxicity. Because S. aureus has rapidly evolved resistance to a number of antibiotics, including methicillin, it is important to identify new therapeutic strategies, other than antibiotics, for inhibiting the harmful effects of this pathogen. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides with three-dimensional folded conformations that bind with high affinity and selectivity to targets and modulate their biological functions. The goal of this study was to isolate DNA aptamers that specifically inhibit the cytotoxic activity of α-toxin. After 10 rounds of Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX), 49 potential anti-α-toxin aptamers were identified. In vitro neutralization assays demonstrated that 4 of these 49 aptamers, AT-27, AT-33, AT-36, and AT-49, significantly inhibited α-toxin-mediated cell death in Jurkat T cells. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis revealed that α-toxin increased the transcription of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-17 and that anti-α-toxin aptamers AT-33 and AT-36 inhibited the upregulation of these genes. Collectively, the data suggest the feasibility of generating functionally effective aptamers against α-toxin for treatment of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeevalatha Vivekananda
- Maxillofacial Injury and Disease Department, Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine, Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Christi Salgado
- Maxillofacial Injury and Disease Department, Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine, Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Nancy J Millenbaugh
- Maxillofacial Injury and Disease Department, Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine, Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
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Bruno JG. A review of therapeutic aptamer conjugates with emphasis on new approaches. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:340-57. [PMID: 24276022 PMCID: PMC3816688 DOI: 10.3390/ph6030340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential to emulate or enhance antibodies with nucleic acid aptamers while lowering costs has prompted development of new aptamer-protein, siRNA, drug, and nanoparticle conjugates. Specific focal points of this review discuss DNA aptamers covalently bound at their 3' ends to various proteins for enhanced stability and greater pharmacokinetic lifetimes in vivo. The proteins can include Fc tails of IgG for opsonization, and the first component of complement (C1q) to trigger complement-mediated lysis of antibiotic-resistant Gram negative bacteria, cancer cells and possibly some parasites during vulnerable stages. In addition, the 3' protein adduct may be a biotoxin, enzyme, or may simply be human serum albumin (HSA) or a drug known to bind HSA, thereby retarding kidney and other organ clearance and inhibiting serum exonucleases. In this review, the author summarizes existing therapeutic aptamer conjugate categories and describes his patented concept for PCR-based amplification of double-stranded aptamers followed by covalent attachment of proteins or other agents to the chemically vulnerable overhanging 3' adenine added by Taq polymerase. PCR amplification of aptamers could dramatically lower the current $2,000/gram cost of parallel chemical oligonucleotide synthesis, thereby enabling mass production of aptamer-3'-protein or drug conjugates to better compete against expensive humanized monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Bruno
- Operational Technologies Corporation, 4100 NW Loop 410, Suite 230, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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8
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Lauridsen LH, Veedu RN. Nucleic acid aptamers against biotoxins: a new paradigm toward the treatment and diagnostic approach. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:371-9. [PMID: 23113767 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can bind to their targets with very high affinity and specificity, and are generally selected by a process referred to as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. Conventional antibody-based therapeutic and diagnostic approach currently employed against biotoxins pose major limitations such as the requirement of a live animal for the in vivo enrichment of the antibody species, decreased stability, high production cost, and side effects. Aptamer technology is a viable alternative that can be used to combat these problems. Fully sequestered in vitro, aptamers eliminate the need for a living host. Furthermore, one of the key advantages of using aptamers instead of antibodies is that they can be selected against very weakly immunogenic and cytotoxic substances. In this review, we focus on nucleic acid aptamers developed against various biotoxins of plant, microorganism, or animal origin and show how these can be used in diagnostics (e.g., biosensors) and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Holm Lauridsen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Inhibitors of the cellular trafficking of ricin. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:15-27. [PMID: 22347620 PMCID: PMC3277095 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the last decade, efforts to identify and develop effective inhibitors of the ricin toxin have focused on targeting its N-glycosidase activity. Alternatively, molecules disrupting intracellular trafficking have been shown to block ricin toxicity. Several research teams have recently developed high-throughput phenotypic screens for small molecules acting on the intracellular targets required for entry of ricin into cells. These screens have identified inhibitory compounds that can protect cells, and sometimes even animals against ricin. We review these newly discovered cellular inhibitors of ricin intoxication, discuss the advantages and drawbacks of chemical-genetics approaches, and address the issues to be resolved so that the therapeutic development of these small-molecule compounds can progress.
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10
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Detection of ricin using a carbon nanofiber based biosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2011; 28:428-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2011.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Worbs S, Köhler K, Pauly D, Avondet MA, Schaer M, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. Ricinus communis intoxications in human and veterinary medicine-a summary of real cases. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1332-72. [PMID: 22069699 PMCID: PMC3210461 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean meal and forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Worbs
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Kernt Köhler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Street 96, Giessen 35392, Germany;
| | - Diana Pauly
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Marc-André Avondet
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schaer
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin B. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Brigitte G. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
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12
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Ramasamy S, Liu CQ, Tran H, Gubala A, Gauci P, McAllister J, Vo T. Principles of antidote pharmacology: an update on prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 161:721-48. [PMID: 20860656 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biological agents has generally been confined to military-led conflicts. However, there has been an increase in non-state-based terrorism, including the use of asymmetric warfare, such as biological agents in the past few decades. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to consider strategies for preventing and preparing for attacks by insurgents, such as the development of pre- and post-exposure medical countermeasures. There are a wide range of prophylactics and treatments being investigated to combat the effects of biological agents. These include antibiotics (for both conventional and unconventional use), antibodies, anti-virals, immunomodulators, nucleic acids (analogues, antisense, ribozymes and DNAzymes), bacteriophage therapy and micro-encapsulation. While vaccines are commercially available for the prevention of anthrax, cholera, plague, Q fever and smallpox, there are no licensed vaccines available for use in the case of botulinum toxins, viral encephalitis, melioidosis or ricin. Antibiotics are still recommended as the mainstay treatment following exposure to anthrax, plague, Q fever and melioidosis. Anti-toxin therapy and anti-virals may be used in the case of botulinum toxins or smallpox respectively. However, supportive care is the only, or mainstay, post-exposure treatment for cholera, viral encephalitis and ricin - a recommendation that has not changed in decades. Indeed, with the difficulty that antibiotic resistance poses, the development and further evaluation of techniques and atypical pharmaceuticals are fundamental to the development of prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment options. The aim of this review is to present an update on prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents in the open literature from 2007 to 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ramasamy
- Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Human Protection and Performance Division, Fishermans Bend, Vic., Australia.
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13
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Marton S, Reyes-Darias JA, Sánchez-Luque FJ, Romero-López C, Berzal-Herranz A. In vitro and ex vivo selection procedures for identifying potentially therapeutic DNA and RNA molecules. Molecules 2010; 15:4610-38. [PMID: 20657381 PMCID: PMC6257598 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15074610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It was only relatively recently discovered that nucleic acids participate in a variety of biological functions, besides the storage and transmission of genetic information. Quite apart from the nucleotide sequence, it is now clear that the structure of a nucleic acid plays an essential role in its functionality, enabling catalysis and specific binding reactions. In vitro selection and evolution strategies have been extremely useful in the analysis of functional RNA and DNA molecules, helping to expand our knowledge of their functional repertoire and to identify and optimize DNA and RNA molecules with potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The great progress made in this field has prompted the development of ex vivo methods for selecting functional nucleic acids in the cellular environment. This review summarizes the most important and most recent applications of in vitro and ex vivo selection strategies aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Marton
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, CSIC, P.T. Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain.
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Wu F, Fan S, Martiniuk F, Pincus S, Müller S, Kohler H, Tchou-Wong KM. Protective effects of anti-ricin A-chain antibodies delivered intracellularly against ricin-induced cytotoxicity. World J Biol Chem 2010; 1:188-95. [PMID: 21541003 PMCID: PMC3083952 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v1.i5.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 05/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the ability of anti-ricin A-chain antibodies, delivered intracellularly, to protect against ricin-induced cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells.
METHODS: Anti-deglycosylated ricin A-chain antibody and RAC18 anti-ricin A-chain monoclonal antibody were delivered intracellularly by encapsulating in liposomes or via conjugation with the cell-penetrating MTS-transport peptide. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with these antibodies either before or after ricin exposure. The changes in cytotoxicity were estimated by MTT assay. Co-localization of internalized antibody and ricin was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy.
RESULTS: Internalized antibodies significantly increased cell viability either before or after ricin exposure compared to the unconjugated antibodies. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the co-localization of internalized antibodies and ricin inside the cells.
CONCLUSION: Intracellular delivery of antibodies to neutralize the ricin toxin after cellular uptake supports the potential use of cell-permeable antibodies for post-exposure treatment of ricin intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wu
- Feng Wu, Shaoan Fan, Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States
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Wahome PG, Bai Y, Neal LM, Robertus JD, Mantis NJ. Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of ricin and shiga toxin using a cell-based high-throughput screen. Toxicon 2010; 56:313-23. [PMID: 20350563 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Category B agents, ricin and shiga toxin (Stx), are RNA N-glycosidases that target a highly conserved adenine residue within the sarcin-ricin loop of eukaryotic 28S ribosomal RNA. In an effort to identify small-molecule inhibitors of these toxins that could serve as lead compounds for potential therapeutics, we have developed a simple Vero cell-based high-throughput cytotoxicity assay and have used it to screen approximately 81,300 compounds in 17 commercially available chemical libraries. This initial screen identified approximately 300 compounds with weak (>or=30 to <50%), moderate (>or=50 to <80%), or strong (>or=80%) ricin inhibitory activity. Secondary analysis of 244 of these original "hits" was performed, and 20 compounds that were capable of reducing ricin cytotoxicity by >50% were chosen for further study. Four compounds demonstrated significant dose-dependent ricin inhibitory activity in the Vero cell-based assay, with 50% effective inhibitory concentration (EC(50)) values ranging from 25 to 60microM. The same 20 compounds were tested in parallel for the ability to inhibit ricin's and Stx1's enzymatic activities in an in vitro translation reaction. Three of the 20 compounds, including the most effective compound in the cell-based assay, had discernible anti-toxin activity. One compound in particular, 4-fluorophenyl methyl 2-(furan-2-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylate ("compound 8"), had 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 30microM, a value indicating >10-fold higher potency than is the case for previously described ricin-Stx1 inhibitors. Computer modeling predicted that compound 8 is capable of docking within the ricin active site. In conclusion, we have used a simple high-throughput cell-based method to identify several new small-molecule inhibitors of ricin and Stx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Wahome
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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