1
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Li K, Zhang Q. Eliminating the HIV tissue reservoir: current strategies and challenges. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:165-182. [PMID: 38149977 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2298450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is still one of the most widespread and harmful infectious diseases in the world. The presence of reservoirs housing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents a significant impediment to the development of clinically applicable treatments on a large scale. The viral load in the blood can be effectively reduced to undetectable levels through antiretroviral therapy (ART), and a higher concentration of HIV is sequestered in various tissues throughout the body, forming the tissue reservoir - the source of viremia after interruption treatment. METHODS We take the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a guideline for this review. In June 2023, we used the Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases to search the relevant literature published in the last decade. RESULTS Here we review the current strategies and treatments for eliminating the HIV tissue reservoirs: early and intensive therapy, gene therapy (including ribozyme, RNA interference, RNA aptamer, zinc finger enzyme, transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)), 'Shock and Kill', 'Block and lock', immunotherapy (including therapeutic vaccines, broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T)), and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). CONCLUSION The existence of an HIV reservoir is the main obstacle to the complete cure of AIDS. Choosing the appropriate strategy to deplete the HIV reservoir and achieve a functional cure for AIDS is the focus and difficulty of current research. So far, there has been a lot of research and progress in reducing the HIV reservoir, but in general, the current research is still very preliminary. Much research is still needed to properly assess the reliability, effectiveness, and necessity of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangpeng Li
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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2
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Amrane S, Jaubert C, Bedrat A, Rundstadler T, Recordon-Pinson P, Aknin C, Guédin A, De Rache A, Bartolucci L, Diene I, Lemoine F, Gascuel O, Pratviel G, Mergny JL, Andreola ML. Deciphering RNA G-quadruplex function during the early steps of HIV-1 infection. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12328-12343. [PMID: 36453997 PMCID: PMC9757044 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by the stacking of G-tetrads. Here we investigated their formation and function during HIV-1 infection. Using bioinformatics and biophysics analyses we first searched for evolutionary conserved G4-forming sequences in HIV-1 genome. We identified 10 G4s with conservation rates higher than those of HIV-1 regulatory sequences such as RRE and TAR. We then used porphyrin-based G4-binders to probe the formation of the G4s during infection of human cells by native HIV-1. The G4-binders efficiently inhibited HIV-1 infectivity, which is attributed to the formation of G4 structures during HIV-1 replication. Using a qRT-PCR approach, we showed that the formation of viral G4s occurs during the first 2 h post-infection and their stabilization by the G4-binders prevents initiation of reverse transcription. We also used a G4-RNA pull-down approach, based on a G4-specific biotinylated probe, to allow the direct detection and identification of viral G4-RNA in infected cells. Most of the detected G4-RNAs contain crucial regulatory elements such as the PPT and cPPT sequences as well as the U3 region. Hence, these G4s would function in the early stages of infection when the viral RNA genome is being processed for the reverse transcription step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Amrane
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel : +33 5 4000 2224;
| | - Chloé Jaubert
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Amina Bedrat
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tiffany Rundstadler
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Toulouse, France,Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS UPR 8241, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Cindy Aknin
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,MFP laboratory, UMR5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore Guédin
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore De Rache
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Bartolucci
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ibra Diene
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Lemoine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité de Bioinformatique Évolutive, F-75015 Paris, France,Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub de bioinformatique et biostatistiques, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Gascuel
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité de Bioinformatique Évolutive, F-75015 Paris, France,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB, UMR 7205 - CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, SU, EPHE UA), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Pratviel
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Toulouse, France,Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS UPR 8241, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France,Laboratoire d’Optique & Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,MFP laboratory, UMR5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
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3
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Aptamers in Virology-A Consolidated Review of the Most Recent Advancements in Diagnosis and Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101646. [PMID: 34683938 PMCID: PMC8540715 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101646] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of short oligonucleotide or peptide molecules as target-specific aptamers has recently garnered substantial attention in the field of the detection and treatment of viral infections. Based on their high affinity and high specificity to desired targets, their use is on the rise to replace antibodies for the detection of viruses and viral antigens. Furthermore, aptamers inhibit intracellular viral transcription and translation, in addition to restricting viral entry into host cells. This has opened up a plethora of new targets for the research and development of novel vaccines against viruses. Here, we discuss the advances made in aptamer technology for viral diagnosis and therapy in the past decade.
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4
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Kim TH, Lee SW. Aptamers for Anti-Viral Therapeutics and Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084168. [PMID: 33920628 PMCID: PMC8074132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections cause a host of fatal diseases and seriously affect every form of life from bacteria to humans. Although most viral infections can receive appropriate treatment thereby limiting damage to life and livelihood with modern medicine and early diagnosis, new types of viral infections are continuously emerging that need to be properly and timely treated. As time is the most important factor in the progress of many deadly viral diseases, early detection becomes of paramount importance for effective treatment. Aptamers are small oligonucleotide molecules made by the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers are characterized by being able to specifically bind to a target, much like antibodies. However, unlike antibodies, aptamers are easily synthesized, modified, and are able to target a wider range of substances, including proteins and carbohydrates. With these advantages in mind, many studies on aptamer-based viral diagnosis and treatments are currently in progress. The use of aptamers for viral diagnosis requires a system that recognizes the binding of viral molecules to aptamers in samples of blood, serum, plasma, or in virus-infected cells. From a therapeutic perspective, aptamers target viral particles or host cell receptors to prevent the interaction between the virus and host cells or target intracellular viral proteins to interrupt the life cycle of the virus within infected cells. In this paper, we review recent attempts to use aptamers for the diagnosis and treatment of various viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Seong-Wook Lee
- Department of Life Convergence, Research Institute of Advanced Omics, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam 13486, Korea
- Correspondence:
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5
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Roxo C, Kotkowiak W, Pasternak A. G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamers-Characteristics, Applications, and Perspectives. Molecules 2019; 24:E3781. [PMID: 31640176 PMCID: PMC6832456 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes constitute a unique class of nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich oligonucleotides of DNA- or RNA-type. Depending on their chemical nature, loops length, and localization in the sequence or structure molecularity, G-quadruplexes are highly polymorphic structures showing various folding topologies. They may be formed in the human genome where they are believed to play a pivotal role in the regulation of multiple biological processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. Thus, natural G-quadruplex structures became prospective targets for disease treatment. The fast development of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technologies provided a number of G-rich aptamers revealing the potential of G-quadruplex structures as a promising molecular tool targeted toward various biologically important ligands. Because of their high stability, increased cellular uptake, ease of chemical modification, minor production costs, and convenient storage, G-rich aptamers became interesting therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives to antibodies. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the development of G-quadruplex based aptamers by focusing on the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of this exceptional class of nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roxo
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Weronika Kotkowiak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anna Pasternak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
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6
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Molefe PF, Masamba P, Oyinloye BE, Mbatha LS, Meyer M, Kappo AP. Molecular Application of Aptamers in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer and Communicable Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11040093. [PMID: 30274155 PMCID: PMC6315466 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, tuberculosis, Zika, hepatitis, measles and human schistosomiasis are serious global health hazards. The increasing annual morbidities and mortalities of these diseases have been blamed on drug resistance and the inefficacy of available diagnostic tools, particularly those which are immunologically-based. Antibody-based tools rely solely on antibody production for diagnosis and for this reason they are the major cause of diagnostic delays. Unfortunately, the control of these diseases depends on early detection and administration of effective treatment therefore any diagnostic delay is a huge challenge to curbing these diseases. Hence, there is a need for alternative diagnostic tools, discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. Studies have demonstrated that aptamers could potentially offer one of the best solutions to these problems. Aptamers are short sequences of either DNA or RNA molecules, which are identified in vitro through a SELEX process. They are sensitive and bind specifically to target molecules. Their promising features suggest they may serve as better diagnostic agents and can be used as drug carriers for therapeutic purposes. In this article, we review the applications of aptamers in the theranostics of cancer and some infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philisiwe Fortunate Molefe
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Priscilla Masamba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria.
| | - Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Mervin Meyer
- DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Abidemi Paul Kappo
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
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7
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Improvement of the activity of the anti-HIV-1 integrase aptamer T30175 by introducing a modified thymidine into the loops. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7447. [PMID: 29749406 PMCID: PMC5945619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we report our investigations on analogues of the anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) aptamer T30175 in which the individual thymidines forming the loops were replaced by 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine residues (H). Circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance and gel electrophoresis investigations clearly indicated that all the modified aptamers preserve the ability to form the original 5′-5′ end-stacked head-to-head dimeric G-quadruplex structure, in which each G-quadruplex adopts a parallel arrangement and is characterized by three G-tetrads, three propeller loops and one bulge-loop. All the modified aptamers were tested in an IN inhibition LEDGF-independent assay. While the modified aptamers INTB-H13 and INTB-H17 showed IC50 values comparable with that of the parent aptamer (INTB-nat), analogues INTB-H2, INTB-H5 and, to a lesser extent, INTB-H9 showed a higher ability to inhibit the HIV IN than the unmodified aptamer. Molecular modelling studies evaluating the aptamer/HIV IN interaction highlighted the ability of the modified thymidines to establish several contacts with the target protein. All the data point to the importance of loops in the aptamer/target interaction and suggest that the site-specific replacement of loop residues with commercially available analogues can be considered a straightforward strategy to improve the biological activities of several G-quadruplex aptamers.
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8
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Pan Q, Luo F, Liu M, Zhang XL. Oligonucleotide aptamers: promising and powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infectious diseases. J Infect 2018; 77:83-98. [PMID: 29746951 PMCID: PMC7112547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The entire human population is at risk of infectious diseases worldwide. Thus far, the diagnosis and treatment of human infectious diseases at the molecular and nanoscale levels have been extremely challenging tasks because of the lack of effective probes to identify and recognize biomarkers of pathogens. Oligonucleotide aptamers are a class of small nucleic acid ligands that are composed of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or RNA and act as affinity probes or molecular recognition elements for a variety of targets. These aptamers have an exciting potential for diagnose and/or treatment of specific diseases. In this review, we highlight areas where aptamers have been developed as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for both bacterial and viral infectious diseases as well as aptamer-based detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Fengling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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9
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Prokofjeva M, Tsvetkov V, Basmanov D, Varizhuk A, Lagarkova M, Smirnov I, Prusakov K, Klinov D, Prassolov V, Pozmogova G, Mikhailov SN. Anti-HIV Activities of Intramolecular G4 and Non-G4 Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 27:56-66. [PMID: 27763826 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2016.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
New natural and chemically modified DNA aptamers that inhibit HIV-1 activity at submicromolar concentrations (presumably via preventing viral entry into target cells) are reported. The new DNA aptamers were developed based on known intramolecular G-quadruplexes (G4s) that were functionally unrelated to HIV inhibition [the thrombin-binding aptamer and the fragment of the human oncogene promoter (Bcl2)]. The majority of previously described DNA inhibitors of HIV infection adopt intermolecular structures, and thus their folding variability represents an obvious disadvantage. Intramolecular architectures refold correctly after denaturation and are generally easier to handle. However, whether the G4 topology or other factors account for the anti-HIV activity of our aptamers is unknown. The impact of chemical modification (thiophosphoryl internucleotide linkages) on aptamer activity is discussed. The exact secondary structures of the active compounds and further elucidation of their mechanisms of action hopefully will be the subjects of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Prokofjeva
- 1 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS , Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia .,3 Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Basmanov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- 1 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS , Moscow, Russia .,2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Lagarkova
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Smirnov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill Prusakov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Klinov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia .,4 Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University) , Moscow Region, Russia
| | | | - Galina Pozmogova
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
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10
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Wang SR, Min YQ, Wang JQ, Liu CX, Fu BS, Wu F, Wu LY, Qiao ZX, Song YY, Xu GH, Wu ZG, Huang G, Peng NF, Huang R, Mao WX, Peng S, Chen YQ, Zhu Y, Tian T, Zhang XL, Zhou X. A highly conserved G-rich consensus sequence in hepatitis C virus core gene represents a new anti-hepatitis C target. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501535. [PMID: 27051880 PMCID: PMC4820367 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) is one of the most important secondary structures in nucleic acids. Until recently, G4 RNAs have not been reported in any ribovirus, such as the hepatitis C virus. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals highly conserved guanine-rich consensus sequences within the core gene of hepatitis C despite the high genetic variability of this ribovirus; we further show using various methods that such consensus sequences can fold into unimolecular G4 RNA structures, both in vitro and under physiological conditions. Furthermore, we provide direct evidences that small molecules specifically targeting G4 can stabilize this structure to reduce RNA replication and inhibit protein translation of intracellular hepatitis C. Ultimately, the stabilization of G4 RNA in the genome of hepatitis C represents a promising new strategy for anti-hepatitis C drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ru Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan-Qin Min
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Xing Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Bo-Shi Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Fan Wu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Ling-Yu Wu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Xian Qiao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yan-Yan Song
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Guo-Hua Xu
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Gai Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Nan-Fang Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Huang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Wu-Xiang Mao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shuang Peng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Qi Chen
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
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11
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Perrone R, Butovskaya E, Lago S, Garzino-Demo A, Pannecouque C, Palù G, Richter SN. The G-quadruplex-forming aptamer AS1411 potently inhibits HIV-1 attachment to the host cell. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 47:311-6. [PMID: 27032748 PMCID: PMC4840014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex-forming aptamer AS1411 strongly inhibits HIV-1 infection. AS1411 is non-toxic to the host cell at antiviral concentrations. AS1411 blocks viral attachment to the host cell. AS1411 binds cell-surface-expressed nucleolin, a putative HIV-1 co-receptor.
AS1411 is a G-rich aptamer that forms a stable G-quadruplex structure and displays antineoplastic properties both in vitro and in vivo. This oligonucleotide has undergone phase 2 clinical trials. The major molecular target of AS1411 is nucleolin (NCL), a multifunctional nucleolar protein also present in the cell membrane where it selectively mediates the binding and uptake of AS1411. Cell-surface NCL has been recognised as a low-affinity co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) anchorage on target cells. Here we assessed the anti-HIV-1 properties and underlying mechanism of action of AS1411. The antiviral activity of AS1411 was determined towards different HIV-1 strains, host cells and at various times post-infection. Acutely, persistently and latently infected cells were tested, including HIV-1-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a healthy donor. Mechanistic studies to exclude modes of action other than virus binding via NCL were performed. AS1411 efficiently inhibited HIV-1 attachment/entry into the host cell. The aptamer displayed antiviral activity in the absence of cytotoxicity at the tested doses, therefore displaying a wide therapeutic window and favourable selectivity indexes. These findings, besides validating cell-surface-expressed NCL as an antiviral target, open the way for the possible use of AS1411 as a new potent and promisingly safe anti-HIV-1 agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Perrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Butovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Musumeci D, Riccardi C, Montesarchio D. G-Quadruplex Forming Oligonucleotides as Anti-HIV Agents. Molecules 2015; 20:17511-32. [PMID: 26402662 PMCID: PMC6332060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200917511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a variety of different non-canonical nucleic acids conformations have been recognized, G-quadruplex structures are probably the structural motifs most commonly found within known oligonucleotide-based aptamers. This could be ascribed to several factors, as their large conformational diversity, marked responsiveness of their folding/unfolding processes to external stimuli, high structural compactness and chemo-enzymatic and thermodynamic stability. A number of G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides having relevant in vitro anti-HIV activity have been discovered in the last two decades through either SELEX or rational design approaches. Improved aptamers have been obtained by chemical modifications of natural oligonucleotides, as terminal conjugations with large hydrophobic groups, replacement of phosphodiester linkages with phosphorothioate bonds or other surrogates, insertion of base-modified monomers, etc. In turn, detailed structural studies have elucidated the peculiar architectures adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. An overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the relevance of putative G-quadruplex forming sequences within the viral genome and of the most studied G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, selectively targeting HIV proteins, is here presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
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Métifiot M, Amrane S, Mergny JL, Andreola ML. Anticancer molecule AS1411 exhibits low nanomolar antiviral activity against HIV-1. Biochimie 2015; 118:173-5. [PMID: 26363100 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During clinical trials, a number of fully characterized molecules are dropped along the way because they do not provide enough benefit for the patient. Some of them show limited side effects and might be of great use for other applications. AS1411 is a nucleolin-targeting aptamer that underwent phase II clinical trials as anticancer agent. Here, we show that AS1411 exhibits extremely potent antiviral activity and is therefore an attractive new lead as anti-HIV agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Métifiot
- Laboratoire MFP, CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, FR Transbiomed, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Samir Amrane
- INSERM U869, IECB, ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- INSERM U869, IECB, ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- Laboratoire MFP, CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, FR Transbiomed, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
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Davydova A, Vorobjeva M, Pyshnyi D, Altman S, Vlassov V, Venyaminova A. Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:847-65. [PMID: 26258445 PMCID: PMC5022137 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1070115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An important current issue of modern molecular medicine and biotechnology is the search for new approaches to early diagnostic assays and adequate therapy of infectious diseases. One of the promising solutions to this problem might be a development of nucleic acid aptamers capable of interacting specifically with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Such aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of infectious agents as well as for blocking of their functions. The present review summarizes various modern SELEX techniques used in this field, and of several currently identified aptamers against viral particles and unicellular organisms, and their applications. The prospects of applying nucleic acid aptamers for the development of novel detection systems and antibacterial and antiviral drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davydova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Maria Vorobjeva
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Dmitrii Pyshnyi
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Sidney Altman
- b Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Valentin Vlassov
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Alya Venyaminova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
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Takahashi M, Burnett JC, Rossi JJ. Aptamer–siRNA Chimeras for HIV. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 848:211-34. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2432-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Métifiot M, Amrane S, Litvak S, Andreola ML. G-quadruplexes in viruses: function and potential therapeutic applications. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:12352-66. [PMID: 25332402 PMCID: PMC4227801 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G-rich nucleic acids can form non-canonical G-quadruplex structures (G4s) in which four guanines fold in a planar arrangement through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. Although many biochemical and structural studies have focused on DNA sequences containing successive, adjacent guanines that spontaneously fold into G4s, evidence for their in vivo relevance has recently begun to accumulate. Complete sequencing of the human genome highlighted the presence of ∼300,000 sequences that can potentially form G4s. Likewise, the presence of putative G4-sequences has been reported in various viruses genomes [e.g., Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), papillomavirus (HPV)]. Many studies have focused on telomeric G4s and how their dynamics are regulated to enable telomere synthesis. Moreover, a role for G4s has been proposed in cellular and viral replication, recombination and gene expression control. In parallel, DNA aptamers that form G4s have been described as inhibitors and diagnostic tools to detect viruses [e.g., hepatitis A virus (HAV), EBV, cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS), simian virus 40 (SV40)]. Here, special emphasis will be given to the possible role of these structures in a virus life cycle as well as the use of G4-forming oligonucleotides as potential antiviral agents and innovative tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Métifiot
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Samir Amrane
- INSERM, U869, IECB, ARNA laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Simon Litvak
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Aptamer-based therapeutics: new approaches to combat human viral diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1507-42. [PMID: 24287493 PMCID: PMC3873675 DOI: 10.3390/ph6121507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses replicate inside the cells of an organism and continuously evolve to contend with an ever-changing environment. Many life-threatening diseases, such as AIDS, SARS, hepatitis and some cancers, are caused by viruses. Because viruses have small genome sizes and high mutability, there is currently a lack of and an urgent need for effective treatment for many viral pathogens. One approach that has recently received much attention is aptamer-based therapeutics. Aptamer technology has high target specificity and versatility, i.e., any viral proteins could potentially be targeted. Consequently, new aptamer-based therapeutics have the potential to lead a revolution in the development of anti-infective drugs. Additionally, aptamers can potentially bind any targets and any pathogen that is theoretically amenable to rapid targeting, making aptamers invaluable tools for treating a wide range of diseases. This review will provide a broad, comprehensive overview of viral therapies that use aptamers. The aptamer selection process will be described, followed by an explanation of the potential for treating virus infection by aptamers. Recent progress and prospective use of aptamers against a large variety of human viruses, such as HIV-1, HCV, HBV, SCoV, Rabies virus, HPV, HSV and influenza virus, with particular focus on clinical development of aptamers will also be described. Finally, we will discuss the challenges of advancing antiviral aptamer therapeutics and prospects for future success.
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