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Teixeira FME, Oliveira LDM, Branco ACCC, Alberca RW, de Sousa ESA, Leite BHDS, Adan WCDS, Duarte AJDS, Lins RD, Sato MN, Viana IFT. Enhanced immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice following a Zika DNA vaccine designed by modulation of membrane-anchoring regions and its association to adjuvants. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1307546. [PMID: 38361945 PMCID: PMC10867427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1307546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging pathogen with high morbidity associated to congenital infection. Despite the scientific advances since the last outbreak in the Americas, there are no approved specific treatment or vaccines. As the development of an effective prophylactic approach remains unaddressed, DNA vaccines surge as a powerful and attractive candidate due to the efficacy of sequence optimization in achieving strong immune response. In this study, we developed four DNA vaccine constructs encoding the ZIKV prM/M (pre-membrane/membrane) and E (envelope) proteins in conjunction with molecular adjuvants. The DNA vaccine candidate (called ZK_ΔSTP), where the entire membrane-anchoring regions were completely removed, was far more immunogenic compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, inclusion of the tPA-SP leader sequence led to high expression and secretion of the target vaccine antigens, therefore contributing to adequate B cell stimulation. The ZK_ΔSTP vaccine induced high cellular and humoral response in C57BL/6 adult mice, which included high neutralizing antibody titers and the generation of germinal center B cells. Administration of ZK-ΔSTP incorporating aluminum hydroxide (Alum) adjuvant led to sustained neutralizing response. In consistency with the high and long-term protective response, ZK_ΔSTP+Alum protected adult mice upon viral challenge. Collectively, the ZK_ΔSTP+Alum vaccine formulation advances the understanding of the requirements for a successful and protective vaccine against flaviviruses and is worthy of further translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Cláudia Calvielli Castelo Branco
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wesley Alberca
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanuella Sarmento Alho de Sousa
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alberto José da Silva Duarte
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Dias Lins
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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2
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Bhandari V, Taksande AB, Sapkale B. Disease Transmission and Diagnosis of Zika Virus. Cureus 2023; 15:e49263. [PMID: 38465265 PMCID: PMC10923262 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49263] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
An arbovirus belonging to the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus, the Zika virus (ZIKV), has profoundly transformed global health perception. Historically, ZIKV infections were considered infrequent, with generally mild manifestations. However, this perception changed dramatically when the virus quickly spread from Asia to the Americas, impacting many nations. It was alarming that there was a connection between ZIKV infection in pregnant women and the beginning of microcephaly in their offspring. ZIKV control and treatment are further complicated because Aedes mosquitoes, which primarily bite during the day, are the primary vectors of the virus. ZIKV diagnostic processes are complex since the virus shares symptoms with other illnesses like dengue and chikungunya. Despite the effectiveness of current diagnostic methods like real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), there is a clear need for more accurate antibody tests. This is especially true given that many people undergo testing while asymptomatic or after the ideal detection window. The capacity of ZIKV to infect human-derived neural progenitor cells raises worrying possibilities for severe neurological effects. With all these characteristics and their connection to birth abnormalities, research efforts into the virus's efficient treatment and prevention have increased. Overall, the emergence of ZIKV has demonstrated the necessity of a comprehensive and team-based strategy to address its myriad problems. This entails comprehending its transmission dynamics, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and creating efficient therapies and preventive measures, all crucial to lessening the threat that ZIKV poses to the world's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinaya Bhandari
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Avinash B Taksande
- Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Bhagyesh Sapkale
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Ashraf-Uz-Zaman M, Li X, Yao Y, Mishra CB, Moku BK, Song Y. Quinazolinone Compounds Have Potent Antiviral Activity against Zika and Dengue Virus. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10746-10760. [PMID: 37506506 PMCID: PMC10463567 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses are important human pathogens, causing ∼100 million symptomatic infections each year. These infections carry a 20-fold increased incidence of serious neurological diseases, such as microcephaly in newborns (for ZIKV) and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Moreover, DENV can develop serious and possibly life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever in certain patients. Patients recovered from one of the four serotypes of DENV are still susceptible to other serotypes with a higher likelihood of serious disease because of antibody-dependent enhancement. Except for mosquito control, there have been no antiviral drugs to prevent and treat ZIKV/DENV infections. Phenotypic screening found that 2,3,6-trisubstituted quinazolinone compounds are novel inhibitors of ZIKV replication. Fifty-four analogues were synthesized, and their structure-activity relationships are discussed. Additional testing shows that compounds 22, 27, and 47 exhibited broad and potent activities against ZIKV and DENV with EC50 values as low as 86 nM with no significant cytotoxicity to mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashraf-Uz-Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chandra Bhushan Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bala Krishna Moku
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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4
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Petphong V, Kosoltanapiwat N, Limkittikul K, Maneekan P, Chatchen S, Jittmittraphap A, Sriburin P, Chattanadee S, Leaungwutiwong P. Detection of Anti-ZIKV NS1 IgA, IgM, and Combined IgA/IgM and Identification of IL-4 and IL-10 as Potential Biomarkers for Early ZIKV and DENV Infections in Hyperendemic Regions, Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050284. [PMID: 37235332 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequency of Zika virus (ZIKV)-specific IgA and IgM and the cytokine expression profile of ZIKV-infected patients in hyperendemic areas remain unclear. This study investigated the rates of ZIKV non-structural protein 1 (NS1)-specific IgA and IgM and evaluated serum cytokine levels of ZIKV and Dengue virus (DENV) cases in Thailand to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers, elucidate the immunity against ZIKV and DENV, and investigate the association between cytokine levels and ZIKV symptoms. Low rates of positivity for ZIKV NS1-specific IgA and IgM were detected in our study. ZIKV NS1 IgA/M (11%, 11/101) in combination was more frequently detected than ZIKV NS1 IgM (2%, 2/101) or ZIKV NS1 IgA (4%, 4/96) alone, especially in acute ZIKV cases with previous DENV exposure (14%, 10/72). Cytokine analysis showed that both ZIKV and DENV infections induced polyfunctional immunity, and the latter triggered more prolonged responses. The existence of significant differences in IL-4 and IL-10 levels between acute ZIKV and acute DENV cases suggested that IL-4 (p = 0.0176) and IL-10 (p = 0.0003) may represent biomarkers for acute ZIKV and acute DENV infections, respectively. Analysis of the association between increased cytokine levels and ZIKV symptoms indicated that CXCL10 (p = 0.0029) was associated with exanthema, while IL-5 (p = 0.0496) was linked to headache. The detection of ZIKV NS1 IgA and IgM in combination may enhance the diagnosis of early ZIKV infection, particularly when levels of IgM or IgA alone are low or undetectable. IL-4 and IL-10 may serve as targets for the development of diagnostic tools to detect ZIKV and DENV infections early, respectively, in flavivirus-endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajee Petphong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kriengsak Limkittikul
- Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pannamas Maneekan
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supawat Chatchen
- Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Akanitt Jittmittraphap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pimolpachr Sriburin
- Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Chattanadee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Luria-Pérez R, Sánchez-Vargas LA, Muñoz-López P, Mellado-Sánchez G. Mucosal Vaccination: A Promising Alternative Against Flaviviruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:887729. [PMID: 35782117 PMCID: PMC9241634 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.887729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Flaviviridae are a family of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA enveloped viruses, and their members belong to a single genus, Flavivirus. Flaviviruses are found in mosquitoes and ticks; they are etiological agents of: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus infection, Zika virus infection, tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever, among others. Only a few flavivirus vaccines have been licensed for use in humans: yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and Kyasanur forest disease. However, improvement is necessary in vaccination strategies and in understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved either in the infection or after vaccination. This is especially important in dengue, due to the immunological complexity of its four serotypes, cross-reactive responses, antibody-dependent enhancement, and immunological interference. In this context, mucosal vaccines represent a promising alternative against flaviviruses. Mucosal vaccination has several advantages, as inducing long-term protective immunity in both mucosal and parenteral tissues. It constitutes a friendly route of antigen administration because it is needle-free and allows for a variety of antigen delivery systems. This has promoted the development of several ways to stimulate immunity through the direct administration of antigens (e.g., inactivated virus, attenuated virus, subunits, and DNA), non-replicating vectors (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes, bacterial ghosts, and defective-replication viral vectors), and replicating vectors (e.g., Salmonella enterica, Lactococcus lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and viral vectors). Because of these characteristics, mucosal vaccination has been explored for immunoprophylaxis against pathogens that enter the host through mucosae or parenteral areas. It is suitable against flaviviruses because this type of immunization can stimulate the parenteral responses required after bites from flavivirus-infected insects. This review focuses on the advantages of mucosal vaccine candidates against the most relevant flaviviruses in either humans or animals, providing supporting data on the feasibility of this administration route for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosendo Luria-Pérez
- Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Hemato-Oncológicas, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis A. Sánchez-Vargas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute for Immunology and Informatics, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Paola Muñoz-López
- Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Hemato-Oncológicas, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Mellado-Sánchez
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioterapéuticos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional para Servicios Especializados de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (I+D+i) para Farmoquímicos y Biotecnológicos, LANSEIDI-FarBiotec-CONACyT, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Gabriela Mellado-Sánchez,
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6
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Nie S, Zhao J, Wu X, Yao Y, Wu F, Lin YL, Li X, Kneubehl AR, Vogt MB, Rico-Hesse R, Song Y. Synthesis, structure-activity relationship and antiviral activity of indole-containing inhibitors of Flavivirus NS2B-NS3 protease. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113767. [PMID: 34450494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus belongs to the Flavivirus family of RNA viruses, which include other important human pathogens such as dengue and West Nile virus. There are no approved antiviral drugs for these viruses. The highly conserved NS2B-NS3 protease of Flavivirus is essential for the replication of these viruses and it is therefore a drug target. Compound screen followed by medicinal chemistry optimization yielded a novel series of 2,6-disubstituted indole compounds that are potent inhibitors of Zika virus protease (ZVpro) with IC50 values as low as 320 nM. The structure-activity relationships of these and related compounds are discussed. Enzyme kinetics studies show the inhibitor 66 most likely exhibited a non-competitive mode of inhibition. In addition, this series of ZVpro inhibitors also inhibit the NS2B-NS3 protease of dengue and West Nile virus with reduced potencies. The most potent compounds 66 and 67 strongly inhibited Zika virus replication in cells with EC68 values of 1-3 μM. These compounds are novel pharmacological leads for further drug development targeting Zika virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyou Nie
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Jidong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Fangrui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Yi-Lun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | | | - Megan B Vogt
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, USA; Intragrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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7
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Nie S, Yao Y, Wu F, Wu X, Zhao J, Hua Y, Wu J, Huo T, Lin YL, Kneubehl AR, Vogt MB, Ferreon J, Rico-Hesse R, Song Y. Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationships, and Antiviral Activity of Allosteric Inhibitors of Flavivirus NS2B-NS3 Protease. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2777-2800. [PMID: 33596380 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses, including Zika, dengue, and West Nile viruses, are important human pathogens. The highly conserved NS2B-NS3 protease of Flavivirus is essential for viral replication and therefore a promising drug target. Through compound screening, followed by medicinal chemistry studies, a novel series of 2,5,6-trisubstituted pyrazine compounds are found to be potent, allosteric inhibitors of Zika virus protease (ZVpro) with IC50 values as low as 130 nM. Their structure-activity relationships are discussed. The ZVpro inhibitors also inhibit homologous proteases of dengue and West Nile viruses, and their inhibitory activities are correlated. The most potent compounds 47 and 103 potently inhibited Zika virus replication in cells with EC68 values of 300-600 nM and in a mouse model of Zika infection. These compounds represent novel pharmacological leads for drug development against Flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyou Nie
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Fangrui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jidong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yuanda Hua
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Tong Huo
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yi-Lun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Megan B Vogt
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Intragrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Josephine Ferreon
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Rebecca Rico-Hesse
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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8
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Picarazzi F, Vicenti I, Saladini F, Zazzi M, Mori M. Targeting the RdRp of Emerging RNA Viruses: The Structure-Based Drug Design Challenge. Molecules 2020; 25:E5695. [PMID: 33287144 PMCID: PMC7730706 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an essential enzyme for the viral replication process, catalyzing the viral RNA synthesis using a metal ion-dependent mechanism. In recent years, RdRp has emerged as an optimal target for the development of antiviral drugs, as demonstrated by recent approvals of sofosbuvir and remdesivir against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. In this work, we overview the main sequence and structural features of the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses such as Coronaviruses, Flaviviruses, and HCV, as well as inhibition strategies implemented so far. While analyzing the structural information available on the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses, we provide examples of success stories such as for HCV and SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, Flaviviruses' story has raised attention about how the lack of structural details on catalytically-competent or ligand-bound RdRp strongly hampers the application of structure-based drug design, either in repurposing and conventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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T lymphocyte responses to flaviviruses - diverse cell populations affect tendency toward protection and disease. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 43:28-34. [PMID: 32810785 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), Yellow Fever virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and Zika virus are medically important flaviviruses transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and circulate in overlapping geographic areas. Cross-reactive immune responses have been demonstrated among the flaviviruses, particularly the four DENV serotypes. The immunological imprint left by a flavivirus infection can therefore have profound effects on the responses to subsequent infections. In this review we summarize recent research focusing on T cell responses to DENV using clinical samples from prospective cohort studies in Asia. These data suggest that durability of different T cell populations after natural infection or vaccination is an important consideration for the outcome of subsequent flavivirus exposures and we argue for continued investigation in the context of longitudinal cohort studies.
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10
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Teixeira FME, Pietrobon AJ, Oliveira LDM, Oliveira LMDS, Sato MN. Maternal-Fetal Interplay in Zika Virus Infection and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. Front Immunol 2020; 11:175. [PMID: 32117303 PMCID: PMC7033814 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the organization of complex tolerance mechanisms occurs to assure non-rejection of the semiallogeneic fetus. Pregnancy is a period of vulnerability to some viral infections, mainly during the first and second trimesters, that may cause congenital damage to the fetus. Recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has gained great notoriety due to the occurrence of congenital ZIKV syndrome, characterized by fetal microcephaly, which results from the ability of ZIKV to infect placental cells and neural precursors in the fetus. Importantly, in addition to the congenital effects, studies have shown that perinatal ZIKV infection causes a number of disorders, including maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. In this paper, we contextualize the immunological aspects involved in the maternal-fetal interface and vulnerability to ZIKV infection, especially the alterations resulting in perinatal outcomes. This highlights the need to develop protective maternal vaccine strategies or interventions that are capable of preventing fetal or even neonatal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Julia Pietrobon
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pielnaa P, Al-Saadawe M, Saro A, Dama MF, Zhou M, Huang Y, Huang J, Xia Z. Zika virus-spread, epidemiology, genome, transmission cycle, clinical manifestation, associated challenges, vaccine and antiviral drug development. Virology 2020; 543:34-42. [PMID: 32056845 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus transmitted primarily via the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Globally, 87 countries and territories have recorded autochthonous mosquito-borne transmission of ZIKV as at July 2019 and distributed across four of the six WHO Regions. Outbreaks of ZIKV infection peaked in 2016 and declined substantially throughout 2017 and 2018 in the Americas region. There is the likely risk for ZIKV to spread to more countries. There is also the potential for the re-emergence of ZIKV in all places with prior reports of the virus transmission. The current status of ZIKV transmission and spread is, however, a global health threat, and from the aforementioned, has the potential to re-emerge as an epidemic. This review summarizes the past and present spread of ZIKV outbreak-2007-2019, the genome, transmission cycle, clinical manifestations, vaccine and antiviral drug advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pielnaa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Moyed Al-Saadawe
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Adonira Saro
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | | | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jufang Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China; School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Zanxian Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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12
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Yang C, Zeng F, Gao X, Zhao S, Li X, Liu S, Li N, Deng C, Zhang B, Gong R. Characterization of two engineered dimeric Zika virus envelope proteins as immunogens for neutralizing antibody selection and vaccine design. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10638-10648. [PMID: 31138647 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The envelope protein of Zika virus (ZIKV) exists as a dimer on the mature viral surface and is an attractive antiviral target because it mediates viral entry. However, recombinant soluble wild-type ZIKV envelope (wtZE) might preferentially exist as monomer (monZE). Recently, it has been shown that the A264C substitution could promote formation of dimeric ZIKV envelope protein (ZEA264C), requiring further characterization of purified ZEA264C for its potential applications in vaccine development. We also noted that ZEA264C, connected by disulfide bond, might be different from the noncovalent native envelope dimer on the virion surface. Because the antibody Fc fragment exists as dimer and is widely used for fusion protein construction, here we fused wtZE to human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) Fc fragment (ZE-Fc) for noncovalent wtZE dimerization. Using a multistep purification procedure, we separated dimeric ZEA264C and ZE-Fc, revealing that they both exhibit typical β-sheet-rich secondary structures and stabilities similar to those of monZE. The binding activities of monZE, ZEA264C, and ZE-Fc to neutralizing antibodies targeting different epitopes indicated that ZEA264C and ZE-Fc could better mimic the native dimeric status, especially in terms of the formation of tertiary and quaternary epitopes. Both ZEA264C and ZE-Fc recognize a ZIKV-sensitive cell line as does monZE, indicating that the two constructs are still functional. Furthermore, a murine immunization assay disclose that ZEA264C and ZE-Fc elicit more neutralizing antibody responses than monZE does. These results suggest that the two immunogen candidates ZEA264C and ZE-Fc have potential utility for neutralizing antibody selection and vaccine design against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunpeng Yang
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Fang Zeng
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Xinyu Gao
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Shaojuan Zhao
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Xuan Li
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Na Li
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Chenglin Deng
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Rui Gong
- From the CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China,
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Fink SL, Vojtech L, Wagoner J, Slivinski NSJ, Jackson KJ, Wang R, Khadka S, Luthra P, Basler CF, Polyak SJ. The Antiviral Drug Arbidol Inhibits Zika Virus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8989. [PMID: 29895962 PMCID: PMC5997637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many emerging and re-emerging globally prevalent viruses for which there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral medicines. Arbidol (ARB, umifenovir), used clinically for decades in several countries as an anti-influenza virus drug, inhibits many other viruses. In the current study, we show that ARB inhibits six different isolates of Zika virus (ZIKV), including African and Asian lineage viruses in multiple cell lines and primary human vaginal and cervical epithelial cells. ARB protects against ZIKV-induced cytopathic effects. Time of addition studies indicate that ARB is most effective at suppressing ZIKV when added to cells prior to infection. Moreover, ARB inhibits pseudoviruses expressing the ZIKV Envelope glycoprotein. Thus, ARB, a broadly acting anti-viral agent with a well-established safety profile, inhibits ZIKV, likely by blocking viral entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Fink
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lucia Vojtech
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica Wagoner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalie S J Slivinski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Konner J Jackson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruofan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sudip Khadka
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Priya Luthra
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Christopher F Basler
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Stephen J Polyak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Critical neutralizing fragment of Zika virus EDIII elicits cross-neutralization and protection against divergent Zika viruses. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:7. [PMID: 29362446 PMCID: PMC5837162 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-017-0007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection remains a serious health threat due to its close association with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which includes microcephaly and other severe birth defects. As no vaccines are available for human use, continuous effort is needed to develop effective and safe vaccines to prevent ZIKV infection. In this study, we constructed three recombinant proteins comprising, respectively, residues 296-406 (E296-406), 298-409 (E298-409), and 301-404 (E301-404) of ZIKV envelope (E) protein domain III (EDIII) fused with a C-terminal Fc of human IgG. Our results demonstrated that E298-409 induced the highest titer of neutralizing antibodies against infection with nine ZIKV strains isolated from different hosts, countries, and time periods, and it maintained long-term anti-ZIKV immunogenicity to induce neutralizing antibodies. Pups born to mice immunized with E298-409 were fully protected against lethal challenge with two epidemic human ZIKV strains, 2015/Honduras (R103451) and 2015/Colombia (FLR). Passive transfer of anti-E298-409 mouse sera protected pups born to naive mice, as well as type I interferon receptor-deficient adult A129 mice, from lethal challenge with human ZIKV strains R103451 and FLR, and this protection was positively correlated with neutralizing antibodies. These data suggest that the critical neutralizing fragment (i.e., a fragment that can induce highly potent neutralizing antibodies against divergent ZIKV strains) of ZIKV EDIII is a good candidate for development as an effective and safe ZIKV subunit vaccine to protect pregnant mothers and their fetuses against ZIKV infection. The E298-409-specific antibodies can be used for passive immunization to prevent ZIKV infection in newborns or immunocompromised adults.
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