1
|
Abstract
Inhalation of small molecule drugs has proven very efficacious for the treatment of respiratory diseases due to enhanced efficacy and a favourable therapeutic index compared with other dosing routes. It enables targeted delivery to the lung with rapid onset of therapeutic action, low systemic drug exposure, and thereby reduced systemic side effects. An increasing number of pharmaceutical companies and biotechs are investing in new modalities-for this review defined as therapeutic molecules with a molecular weight >800Da and therefore beyond usual inhaled small molecule drug-like space. However, our experience with inhaled administration of PROTACs, peptides, oligonucleotides (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, miRs and antagomirs), diverse protein scaffolds, antibodies and antibody fragments is still limited. Investigating the retention and metabolism of these types of molecules in lung tissue and fluid will contribute to understanding which are best suited for inhalation. Nonetheless, the first such therapeutic molecules have already reached the clinic. This review will provide information on the physiology of healthy and diseased lungs and their capacity for drug metabolism. It will outline the stability, aggregation and immunogenicity aspects of new modalities, as well as recap on formulation and delivery aspects. It concludes by summarising clinical trial outcomes with inhaled new modalities based on information available at the end of 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werngard Czechtizky
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Wu Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lena Ripa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Andreas Höijer
- Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism CMC Projects, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rhona J Cox
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schiesser S, Hajek P, Pople HE, Käck H, Öster L, Cox RJ. Discovery and optimization of cyclohexane-1,4-diamines as allosteric MALT1 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 227:113925. [PMID: 34742013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein-1 (MALT1) is a promising strategy to modulate NF-κB signaling, with the potential to treat B-cell lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. We describe the discovery and optimization of (1s,4s)-N,N'-diaryl cyclohexane-1,4-diamines, a novel series of allosteric MALT1 inhibitors, resulting in compound 8 with single digit micromolar cell potency. X-ray analysis confirms that this compound binds to an induced allosteric site in MALT1. Compound 8 is highly selective and has an excellent in vivo rat PK profile with low clearance and high oral bioavailability, making it a promising lead for further optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Peter Hajek
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Huw E Pople
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden; School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Käck
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Linda Öster
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Rhona J Cox
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohn KGI, Brokstad KA, Islam S, Oftung F, Tøndel C, Aarstad HJ, Cox RJ. Early Induction of Cross-Reactive CD8+ T-Cell Responses in Tonsils After Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccination in Children. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1528-1537. [PMID: 32255493 PMCID: PMC7137893 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) was licensed for prophylaxis of children 2-17 years old in Europe in 2012 and is administered as a nasal spray. Live-attenuated influenza vaccine induces both mucosal and systemic antibodies and systemic T-cell responses. Tonsils are the lymph nodes serving the upper respiratory tract, acting as both induction and effector site for mucosal immunity. METHODS Here, we have studied the early tonsillar T-cell responses induced in children after LAIV. Thirty-nine children were immunized with trivalent LAIV (containing A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B viruses) at days 3, 7, and 14 before tonsillectomy. Nonvaccinated controls were included for comparison. Tonsils and peripheral blood (pre- and postvaccination) were collected to study T-cell responses. RESULTS Tonsillar and systemic T-cell responses differed between influenza strains, and both were found against H3N2 and B viruses, whereas only systemic responses were observed against A/H1N1. A significant increase in cross-reactive tonsillar CD8+ T cells recognizing conserved epitopes from a broad range of seasonal and pandemic viruses occurred at day 14. Tonsillar T cells showed significant cytokine responses (Th1, Th2, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the use of LAIV in children to elicit broadly cross-reactive T cells, which are not induced by traditional inactivated influenza vaccines and may provide protection to novel virus strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K G-I Mohn
- Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccines, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - K A Brokstad
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - S Islam
- Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccines, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - F Oftung
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - C Tøndel
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - H J Aarstad
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - R J Cox
- Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccines, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fjelltveit EB, Cox RJ, Østensjø J, Blomberg B, Ebbesen MH, Langeland N, Mohn KGI. Point-of-care influenza testing impacts clinical decision, patient flow and length of stay in hospitalized adults. J Infect Dis 2020; 226:97-108. [PMID: 33151320 PMCID: PMC9373161 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza is difficult to distinguish clinically from other acute respiratory infections. Rapid laboratory diagnosis can help initiate early effective antiviral treatment and isolation. Implementing a novel point-of-care test (POCT) for influenza in the emergency department (ED) could improve treatment and isolation strategies and reduce the length of stay (LOS). Methods In a prospective, controlled observational cohort study, we enrolled patients admitted due to acute respiratory illness to 2 public hospitals in Bergen, Norway, one using a rapid POCT for influenza (n = 400), the other (n = 167) using conventional rapid laboratory-based assay. Results Prevalence of influenza was similar in the 2 hospitals (154/400, 38% vs 38%, 63/167; P = .863). Most patients in both hospitals received antiviral (83% vs 81%; P = .703) and antibiotic treatment (72% vs 62%; P = .149). Isolation was more often initiated in ED in the hospital using POCT (91% vs 80%; P = .025). Diagnosis by POCT was associated with shorter hospital stay; old age, diabetes, cancer, and use of antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, were associated with prolonged stay. Conclusions POCT implementation in ED resulted in improved targeted isolation and shorter LOS. Regardless of POCT use, most influenza patients received antivirals (>80%) and antibiotics (>69%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E B Fjelltveit
- The Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - R J Cox
- The Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - J Østensjø
- Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - B Blomberg
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - M H Ebbesen
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - N Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - K G-I Mohn
- The Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schiesser S, Chepliaka H, Kollback J, Quennesson T, Czechtizky W, Cox RJ. N-Trifluoromethyl Amines and Azoles: An Underexplored Functional Group in the Medicinal Chemist’s Toolbox. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13076-13089. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Hanna Chepliaka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Butenandstrasse 5−13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Kollback
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Göteborgs universitet, Kemigården 4, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thibaut Quennesson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
- Université de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, INSERM U1177 − Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Werngard Czechtizky
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Rhona J. Cox
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dumont C, Sivars U, Andreasson T, Odqvist L, Mattsson J, DeMicco A, Pardali K, Johansson G, Yrlid L, Cox RJ, Seeliger F, Larsson M, Gehrmann U, Davis AM, Vaarala O. A MALT1 inhibitor suppresses human myeloid DC, effector T-cell and B-cell responses and retains Th1/regulatory T-cell homeostasis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0222548. [PMID: 32870913 PMCID: PMC7462277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The paracaspase mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein-1 (MALT1) regulates nuclear-factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) activation downstream of surface receptors with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), such as the B-cell or T-cell receptor and has thus emerged as a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. However, recent reports demonstrate the development of lethal autoimmune inflammation due to the excessive production of interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ) and defective differentiation of regulatory T-cells in genetically modified mice deficient in MALT1 paracaspase activity. To address this issue, we explored the effects of pharmacological MALT1 inhibition on the balance between T-effector and regulatory T-cells. Here we demonstrate that allosteric inhibition of MALT1 suppressed Th1, Th17 and Th1/Th17 effector responses, and inhibited T-cell dependent B-cell proliferation and antibody production. Allosteric MALT1 inhibition did not interfere with the suppressive function of human T-regulatory cells, although it impaired de novo differentiation of regulatory T-cells from naïve T-cells. Treatment with an allosteric MALT1 inhibitor alleviated the cytokine storm, including IFN-ɣ, in a mouse model of acute T-cell activation, and long-term treatment did not lead to an increase in IFN-ɣ producing CD4 cells or tissue inflammation. Together, our data demonstrate that the effects of allosteric inhibition of MALT1 differ from those seen in mice with proteolytically inactive MALT1, and thus we believe that MALT1 is a viable target for B and T-cell driven autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celine Dumont
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf Sivars
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Theresa Andreasson
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lina Odqvist
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Mattsson
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amy DeMicco
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katerina Pardali
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gustav Johansson
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Yrlid
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rhona J. Cox
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frank Seeliger
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Larsson
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf Gehrmann
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail: (AD); (UG)
| | - Andrew M. Davis
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail: (AD); (UG)
| | - Outi Vaarala
- Research & Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gardiner P, Cox RJ, Grime K. Plasma Protein Binding as an Optimizable Parameter for Acidic Drugs. Drug Metab Dispos 2019; 47:865-873. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.087163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
8
|
Brokstad KA, Fredriksen M, Zhou F, Bergum B, Brun JG, Cox RJ, Skarstein K. T follicular-like helper cells in the peripheral blood of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Scand J Immunol 2018; 88:e12679. [PMID: 29882349 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction, mainly causing sicca symptoms. B cells have a prominent role in SS, and the T follicular helper (TFH ) cells provide B cells with survival and specialization signals in germinal centres. Here, we investigate peripheral TFH cells in pSS. Sixteen pSS patients and healthy controls were enrolled in the study, with 13 women and 3 men in each group. Whole blood was collected and separated into PBMC and plasma, followed by cryopreservation. Plasma samples were analysed for Ro52, Ro60 and La48 autoantibodies by indirect ELISA. For flow cytometric analysis, we defined 4 subsets of TFH-like cells within the CD3+ CD4+ CXCR5+ population, namely the ICOS- PD-1- , ICOS- PD-1+ , ICOS+ PD-1- and ICOS+ PD-1+ ("TFH") cells. We also investigated 4 CD19+ B cell subsets, the CD20+ CD27+ CD38- memory B cells, CD20+ CD27+ CD38+ memory B cells, CD20- CD27+ CD38++ CD138- plasmablasts and CD20- CD27+ CD38++ CD138+ plasma cells. We observed higher fractions of ICOS+ PD-1- cells, ICOS+ PD-1+ ("TFH ") cells and plasmablasts in pSS patients compared to controls, and lower frequencies of both types of memory B cells. The number of TFH cells correlated positively with the levels of plasmablasts and plasma cells in the pSS patients, but not in the controls. The pSS patients were stratified according to Ro52/Ro60/La48 serology, and a positive association was found between autoantibody levels and increased level of TFH cells, plasmablasts and plasma cells and lowered levels of memory B cells. We observed a higher response to Ro/La stimulation in pSS patients compared to controls of the memory B cells, although only significantly for the CD38- memory B cells. Overall, a pathological relation between the ICOS+ T follicular-like helper cells and B cells in pSS was observed, but further work should be conducted to explore their overall impact upon disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Brokstad
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - M Fredriksen
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - F Zhou
- The Influenza Center, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - B Bergum
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - J G Brun
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - R J Cox
- The Influenza Center, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - K Skarstein
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pemberton N, Mogemark M, Arlbrandt S, Bold P, Cox RJ, Gardelli C, Holden NS, Karabelas K, Karlsson J, Lever S, Li X, Lindmark H, Norberg M, Perry MWD, Petersen J, Rodrigo Blomqvist S, Thomas M, Tyrchan C, Westin Eriksson A, Zlatoidsky P, Öster L. Discovery of Highly Isoform Selective Orally Bioavailable Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)-γ Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5435-5441. [PMID: 29852070 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we describe the discovery and optimization of a new chemotype of isoform selective PI3Kγ inhibitors. Starting from an HTS hit, potency and physicochemical properties could be improved to give compounds such as 15, which is a potent and remarkably selective PI3Kγ inhibitor with ADME properties suitable for oral administration. Compound 15 was advanced into in vivo studies showing dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced airway neutrophilia in rats when administered orally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xueshan Li
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. , No. 6 Taihe Road, BDA , Beijing 100176 , P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Trombetta CM, Ulivieri C, Cox RJ, Remarque EJ, Centi C, Perini D, Piccini G, Rossi S, Marchi S, Montomoli E. Impact of erythrocyte species on assays for influenza serology. J Prev Med Hyg 2018; 59:E1-E7. [PMID: 29938233 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2018.59.1.870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The influenza viruses have the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes by binding to sialic acid receptors on the host cell. Human influenza viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid linked to galactose by α 2.6 linkage, while avian influenza viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid linked to Gal by α 2.3 linkage. There is a close correlation between the ability of influenza A viruses to agglutinate erythrocytes from different animal species and their receptor specificity. The haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition assays are influenced by the species of erythrocytes. To provide an overview of the expression of sialic acid receptors on different erythrocytes, avian (turkey, chicken, pigeon) and mammalian (sheep, horse, human) species have been analysed by flow cytometry. Chicken, turkey and human erythrocytes display both types of linkages. Horse and sheep erythrocytes show almost exclusively α 2.3 Gal linkages, while pigeon erythrocytes express almost exclusively α 2.6 Gal linkages. The erythrocytes from the same avian and mammalian species have been evaluated by haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition assays with seasonal and avian strains. Chicken and turkey erythrocytes seem to be the most appropriate for both assays with seasonal influenza strains, in addition to pigeon erythrocytes, particularly for the B strains. In the case of the avian strain, chicken erythrocytes are suitable for haemagglutination assay and horse erythrocytes for haemagglutination inhibition assay. The choice of erythrocytes has a significant impact on the titres measured by both assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Trombetta
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - C Ulivieri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, Siena, Italy
| | - R J Cox
- The Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - E J Remarque
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - S Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - S Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - E Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
- VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aase A, Sommerfelt H, Petersen LB, Bolstad M, Cox RJ, Langeland N, Guttormsen AB, Steinsland H, Skrede S, Brandtzaeg P. Salivary IgA from the sublingual compartment as a novel noninvasive proxy for intestinal immune induction. Mucosal Immunol 2016; 9:884-93. [PMID: 26509875 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2015.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Whole-saliva IgA appears like an attractive noninvasive readout for intestinal immune induction after enteric infection or vaccination, but has failed to show consistent correlation with established invasive markers and IgA in feces or intestinal lavage. For reference, we measured antibodies in samples from 30 healthy volunteers who were orally infected with wild-type enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The response against these bacteria in serum, lavage, and lymphocyte supernatants (antibody-in-lymphocyte-supernatant, ALS) was compared with that in targeted parotid and sublingual/submandibular secretions. Strong correlation occurred between IgA antibody levels against the challenge bacteria in sublingual/submandibular secretions and in lavage (r=0.69, P<0.0001) and ALS (r=0.70, P<0.0001). In sublingual/submandibular secretions, 93% responded with more than a twofold increase in IgA antibodies against the challenge strain, whereas the corresponding response in parotid secretions was only 67% (P=0.039). With >twofold ALS as a reference, the sensitivity of a >twofold response for IgA in sublingual/submandibular secretion was 96%, whereas it was only 67% in the parotid fluid. To exclude that flow rate variations influenced the results, we used albumin as a marker. Our data suggested that IgA in sublingual/submandibular secretions, rather than whole saliva with its variable content of parotid fluid, is a preferential noninvasive proxy for intestinal immune induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Aase
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Sommerfelt
- Center for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health and Centre for International health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - L B Petersen
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - M Bolstad
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - R J Cox
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - N Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division for Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - A B Guttormsen
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Steinsland
- Center for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health and Centre for International health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - S Skrede
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division for Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - P Brandtzaeg
- LIIPAT, Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan AA, Bacha N, Ahmad B, Cox RJ, Bakht J. Role of growth media and chemical enhancers in secondary metabolites production from Aspergillus carbonarius (NRL-369) and their pharmaceutical potentials. Pak J Pharm Sci 2016; 29:1223-1230. [PMID: 27393435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the effect of different growth media and chemical enhancer on silent genes in Aspergillus carbonarius (NRL-369) for secondary metabolites production and its in vitro biological activities. Results revealed that Aspergillus carbonarius (NRL-369) grown in Czapeak yeast extract broth medium produced more metabolites compared with other media. Chemical epigenetic modifiers (suberoyl-anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) at concentration of 15mM were effective for the expression of silent genes resulting in increased secondary metabolites production. Secondary metabolites extracted in ethyl acetate and fractionized in n-Hexane showed variable degree of growth inhibitions of the tested microorganisms. Similarly, these samples were also active against brine shrimps and Lemna.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali Khan
- Institute of Integrative Biosciences, CECOS University of Emerging Sciences, Hayatabad, Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Nafess Bacha
- Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Bashir Ahmad
- Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - R J Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Jehan Bakht
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, KPK Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Darlington TM, McCarthy RD, Cox RJ, Miyamoto-Ditmon J, Gallego X, Ehringer MA. Voluntary wheel running reduces voluntary consumption of ethanol in mice: identification of candidate genes through striatal gene expression profiling. Genes Brain Behav 2016; 15:474-90. [PMID: 27063791 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hedonic substitution, where wheel running reduces voluntary ethanol consumption, has been observed in prior studies. Here, we replicate and expand on previous work showing that mice decrease voluntary ethanol consumption and preference when given access to a running wheel. While earlier work has been limited mainly to behavioral studies, here we assess the underlying molecular mechanisms that may account for this interaction. From four groups of female C57BL/6J mice (control, access to two-bottle choice ethanol, access to a running wheel, and access to both two-bottle choice ethanol and a running wheel), mRNA-sequencing of the striatum identified differential gene expression. Many genes in ethanol preference quantitative trait loci were differentially expressed due to running. Furthermore, we conducted Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and identified gene networks corresponding to each effect behavioral group. Candidate genes for mediating the behavioral interaction between ethanol consumption and wheel running include multiple potassium channel genes, Oprm1, Prkcg, Stxbp1, Crhr1, Gabra3, Slc6a13, Stx1b, Pomc, Rassf5 and Camta2. After observing an overlap of many genes and functional groups previously identified in studies of initial sensitivity to ethanol, we hypothesized that wheel running may induce a change in sensitivity, thereby affecting ethanol consumption. A behavioral study examining Loss of Righting Reflex to ethanol following exercise trended toward supporting this hypothesis. These data provide a rich resource for future studies that may better characterize the observed transcriptional changes in gene networks in response to ethanol consumption and wheel running.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M Darlington
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Current address: Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - R D McCarthy
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - R J Cox
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - J Miyamoto-Ditmon
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - X Gallego
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - M A Ehringer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Eagan TM, Hardie JA, Jul-Larsen Å, Grydeland TB, Bakke PS, Cox RJ. Self-reported influenza vaccination and protective serum antibody titers in a cohort of COPD patients. Respir Med 2016; 115:53-9. [PMID: 27215504 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COPD patients are advised vaccination against seasonal influenza, yet few studies have evaluated the protective antibody titers obtained in this patient group. AIMS 1) To describe protective titers in COPD patients who self-reported influenza vaccination compared with vaccinated subjects without COPD and unvaccinated COPD patients, 2) analyze whether clinical parameters predicted influenza-specific antibody titers, and 3) whether antibody titers to influenza A at baseline could predict exacerbation risk or 5 years all-cause mortality. METHODS Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) titers were measured by haemagglutination inhibition assay in serum from 432 COPD patients and 77 controls in the Bergen COPD Cohort Study, at yearly visits between 2006/09. Titers of 40 or above were considered protective. We examined the variables sex, age, body composition, smoking, GOLD stage, yearly exacerbations, inhaled steroids, and Charlson score as predictive of titers, both univariately and in a multivariable model estimated by generalized estimating equations. The exacerbation incidence rate ratios and mortality hazard ratios were assessed by negative binominal and cox regression models respectively. RESULTS At baseline, 59% of COPD patients reported influenza vaccination during the last season. Levels of predictive titers varied considerably each season, but trended lower in COPD patients compared with controls. Neither sex, age, body composition, smoking, comorbidities, GOLD stage nor use of inhaled steroids consistently predicted titers. Having high titers at baseline did not impact later risk for exacerbations, but seemed to be associated with higher all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for COPD disease characteristics. CONCLUSION Vaccination coverage for influenza is imperfect for COPD patients in Norway, and there is a concern that immunization is suboptimal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M Eagan
- Dept. of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway; Dept. of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - J A Hardie
- Dept. of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Å Jul-Larsen
- Dept. of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - T B Grydeland
- Dept. of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - P S Bakke
- Dept. of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - R J Cox
- Dept. of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway; Dept of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Chemokines and their receptors are known to play important roles in disease. More than 40 chemokine ligands and 20 chemokine receptors have been identified, but, to date, only two small molecule chemokine receptor antagonists have been approved by the FDA. The chemokine receptor CXCR3 was identified in 1996, and nearly 20 years later, new areas of CXCR3 disease biology continue to emerge. Several classes of small molecule CXCR3 antagonists have been developed, and two have shown efficacy in preclinical models of inflammatory disease. However, only one CXCR3 antagonist has been evaluated in clinical trials, and there remain many opportunities to further investigate known classes of CXCR3 antagonists and to identify new chemotypes. This Perspective reviews the known CXCR3 antagonists and considers future opportunities for the development of small molecules for clinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Andrews
- Heptares Therapeutics , BioPark, Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Rhona J Cox
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity iMed, AstraZeneca, Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity IMED , Pepparedsleden, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Trondsen M, Aqrawi LA, Zhou F, Pedersen G, Trieu MC, Zhou P, Cox RJ. Induction of Local Secretory IgA and Multifunctional CD4⁺ T-helper Cells Following Intranasal Immunization with a H5N1 Whole Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine in BALB/c Mice. Scand J Immunol 2015; 81:305-17. [PMID: 25737202 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Avian influenza subunit vaccines have been shown to be poorly immunogenic, leading to the re-evaluation of the immunogenic and dose-sparing potential of whole virus vaccines. In this study, we investigated the immune responses after one or two doses of intramuscular or intranasal whole inactivated influenza H5N1 virus vaccine in BALB/c mice. Serum samples and nasal washings were collected weekly post-vaccination and analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera were also analysed by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Antibody-secreting cells were measured in lymphocytes from spleen and bone marrow via enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT). Splenocytes were stimulated in vitro, and T-helper profiles were measured through multiplex bead assay in the supernatants, or intracellularly by multiparametric flow cytometry. Both vaccine routes induced high HI titres following the second immunization (intramuscular = 370, intranasal = 230). Moreover, the intramuscular group showed significantly higher levels of serum IgG (P < 0.01), IgG1 (P < 0.01) and IgG2a (P < 0.01) following the second vaccine dose, while the intranasal group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum IgA (P < 0.05) and local IgA (P < 0.01) in the nasal washings. Also, IgA antibody-secreting cells were found in significantly higher numbers in the intranasal group in both the spleen (P < 0.01) and the bone marrow (P < 0.01). Moreover, Th1 (TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokines were expressed by both groups, yet only the intranasal group expressed the Th17 marker IL-17. As the intranasal vaccines induce local IgA and are easily administered, we suggest the intranasally administered whole virus vaccine as a promising candidate for a pandemic H5N1 vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Trondsen
- The Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Austin RP, Bennion C, Bonnert RV, Cheema L, Cook AR, Cox RJ, Ebden MR, Gaw A, Grime K, Meghani P, Nicholls D, Phillips C, Smith N, Steele J, Stonehouse JP. Discovery and evaluation of a novel monocyclic series of CXCR2 antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:1616-20. [PMID: 25708618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antagonism of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 has been proposed as a strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Earlier series of bicyclic CXCR2 antagonists discovered at AstraZeneca were shown to have low solubility and poor oral bioavailability. In this Letter we describe the design, synthesis and characterisation of a new series of monocyclic CXCR2 antagonists with improved solubility and good pharmacokinetic profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupert P Austin
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Colin Bennion
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Roger V Bonnert
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Lal Cheema
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Anthony R Cook
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Rhona J Cox
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK; Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity iMed, AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Pepparedsleden, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Mark R Ebden
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Alasdair Gaw
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Ken Grime
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK; Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity iMed, AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Pepparedsleden, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Premji Meghani
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - David Nicholls
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK; AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Caroline Phillips
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK; AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Neal Smith
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| | - John Steele
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK; Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity iMed, AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Pepparedsleden, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey P Stonehouse
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gallego X, Cox RJ, Funk E, Foster RA, Ehringer MA. Voluntary exercise decreases ethanol preference and consumption in C57BL/6 adolescent mice: sex differences and hippocampal BDNF expression. Physiol Behav 2014; 138:28-36. [PMID: 25447477 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of high vulnerability for alcohol use and abuse. Early alcohol use has been shown to increase the risk for alcohol-related problems later in life; therefore effective preventive treatments targeted toward adolescents would be very valuable. Many epidemiological and longitudinal studies in humans have revealed the beneficial effects of exercise for prevention and treatment of alcohol addiction. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that access to a running wheel leads to decreased voluntary alcohol consumption in adult mice, hamsters, and rats. However, age and sex may also influence the effects of exercise on alcohol use. Herein, we studied male and female C57BL/6 adolescent mice using a 24-hour two-bottle choice paradigm to evaluate 21 days of concurrent voluntary exercise on alcohol consumption and preference. Given previously known effects of exercise in increasing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and its role in regulating the reward system, BDNF mRNA and protein levels were measured at the end of the behavioral experiment. Our results demonstrate sex differences in the efficacy of voluntary exercise and its effects on decreasing alcohol consumption and preference. We also report increased BDNF expression after 21 days of voluntary exercise in both male and female mice. Interestingly, the distance traveled played an important role in alcohol consumption and preference in female mice but not in male mice. Overall, this study demonstrates sex differences in the effects of voluntary exercise on alcohol consumption in adolescent mice and points out the importance of distance traveled as a limiting factor to the beneficial effects of wheel running in female mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Gallego
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - R J Cox
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - E Funk
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - R A Foster
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - M A Ehringer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cameron RAD, Cox RJ, Von Proschwitz T, Horsák M. Cepaea nemoralis (L.) in Göteborg, S.W. Sweden: variation in a recent urban invader. Folia Malacol 2014. [DOI: 10.12657/folmal.022.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
20
|
De Savi C, Cox RJ, Warner DJ, Cook AR, Dickinson MR, McDonough A, Morrill LC, Parker B, Andrews G, Young SS, Gilmour PS, Riley R, Dearman MS. Efficacious inhaled PDE4 inhibitors with low emetic potential and long duration of action for the treatment of COPD. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4661-76. [PMID: 24785301 DOI: 10.1021/jm5001216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, such as cilomilast and roflumilast, have been shown to be efficacious against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these drugs have been hampered by mechanism-related side effects such as nausea and emesis at high doses. Compounds administered by inhalation are delivered directly to the site of action and may improve the therapeutic index required to overcome side effects. This paper describes systematic and rational lead optimization to deliver highly potent, long-acting, and efficacious preclinical inhaled PDE4 inhibitors with low emetic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris De Savi
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood , Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RH, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pedersen G, Halstensen A, Sjursen H, Naess A, Kristoffersen EK, Cox RJ. Pandemic influenza vaccination elicits influenza-specific CD4+ Th1-cell responses in hypogammaglobulinaemic patients: four case reports. Scand J Immunol 2011; 74:210-8. [PMID: 21438900 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In these case reports, we investigated pandemic influenza 2009 vaccination of primary hypogammaglobulinaemic patients. Three combined variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and one X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) patient were vaccinated with the pandemic vaccine A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like split virus (X179a) adjuvanted with the oil-in-water emulsion AS03. Subsequently, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sampled and used to measure the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses. In addition, the IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α producing CD4(+) Th1-cell response was determined as these cytokines are important indicators of cell-mediated immunity. Two of the CVID patients responded to vaccination as determined by a >4-fold rise in HI antibodies. These subjects also had influenza-specific ASC numbers, which, albeit low, were higher than prevaccination levels. In addition, vaccination induced CD4(+) Th1-cell responses in both the XLA patient and the CVID patients, although the frequency of influenza-responsive cells varied amongst the patients. These results suggest that hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can mount a CD4(+) Th1 cell-mediated response to influenza vaccination and, additionally, that influenza vaccination of some hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can produce an influenza-specific humoral immune response. The findings should be confirmed in larger clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Pedersen
- The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hauge S, Madhun AS, Major D, Brokstad KA, Vogel FR, Zambon M, Wood J, Haaheim LR, Cox RJ. The immunogenicity of a cell-derived H7N1 split influenza virion vaccine in mice. Scand J Immunol 2009; 69:576-8. [PMID: 19439020 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
23
|
Abstract
The first synthetic route to the spirooxaquinolizidinone core (ABC core) of the macrocyclic marine alkaloid 'upenamide (1) has been developed. All five stereocenters were introduced with complete stereocontrol. The hydroxyl group at C-11 was introduced by a regio- and stereoselective SeO(2)-mediated allylic oxidation. The spirocyclic skeleton was formed by a stannous chloride induced deacetalization-bicyclization procedure. Further stereocenters were introduced by an enzymatic desymmetrization and by incorporation of an (S)-malic acid derived building block.
Collapse
|
24
|
Hauge S, Madhun AS, Cox RJ, Brokstad KA, Haaheim LR. A Comparison of the Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses at Different Immunological Sites after Split Influenza Virus Vaccination of Mice. Scand J Immunol 2007; 65:14-21. [PMID: 17212762 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2006.01862.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes are all known to be important organs for the initiation and maintenance of an immune response after vaccination. To investigate the differences and similarities in the humoral and cellular immune responses between these tissues, we vaccinated mice once or twice with the conventional human dose (15 microg HA) of influenza A (H3N2) split virus vaccine and analysed the sera and lymphocytes collected from the different sites. We found that the response of antibody secreting cells (ASC) in the lymph nodes appeared to be more transient than in the spleen, possibly because the influenza-specific IgM ASC in particular might have migrated from the lymph nodes immediately after activation. The serum antibody response was found to initially correspond with the ASC response elicited in the spleen and the lymph nodes, whereas the later serum IgG reflected the ASC response in the bone marrow. Proliferation of influenza-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells was predominantly observed in the spleen and was associated with higher concentrations of cytokines than in the lymph nodes. The finding of influenza-specific CD8(+) cell proliferation in the spleen indicates that a split influenza virus vaccine may stimulate a cytotoxic T-cell response. Our results also showed that the primary response elicited a mixed Th1/Th2 profile, whereas the secondary response was skewed towards a Th2 type. Each of the three tissues had a different immunological pattern, suggesting that in preclinical vaccine studies, there is a case for investigating a range of immunological sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Hauge
- Influenza Centre, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Armauer Hansen Building, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Szyszko E, Brokstad K, Cox RJ, Hovden AO, Madhun A, Haaheim LR. Impact of Influenza Vaccine Formulation with a Detailed Analysis of the Cytokine Response. Scand J Immunol 2006; 64:467-75. [PMID: 17032238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2006.01805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination provides the most effective method of limiting the impact of influenza. Inactivated influenza vaccines are available in three formulations and more information needs to be generated on how antigen presented in different vaccine formulations influences the subsequent immune response. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of two different influenza vaccine formulations on the resulting antibody and cytokine responses and compared these responses with influenza infection. Mice were vaccinated intramuscularly with one or two doses of whole or split virus vaccine or alternatively intranasally infected with influenza virus. Lymphocytes were isolated from spleen cells and stimulated in vitro for 24 or 72 h for analysis of cytokine profile at the gene expression and at the protein level. Additionally, whole blood was collected and the serum antibody response investigated by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that one dose of whole virus vaccine induced higher antibody and cytokine responses and thus was more immunogenic in unprimed mice than split virus vaccine. Whole virus vaccine induced a strong IFN-gamma (type 1) immune response after one dose of vaccine and a more mixed cytokine response after the second dose. Split virus vaccine induced a type 2 response, particularly after two vaccine doses. Our results show that two doses of vaccine (both vaccine formulation) were more effective in induction of Th2 type of cytokines and thus indicate that both the formulation and also the number of vaccine doses substantially influences the magnitude and quality of the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Szyszko
- Influenza Centre, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hovden AO, Cox RJ, Madhun A, Haaheim LR. Two Doses of Parenterally Administered Split Influenza Virus Vaccine Elicited High Serum IgG Concentrations which Effectively Limited Viral Shedding upon Challenge in Mice. Scand J Immunol 2005; 62:342-52. [PMID: 16253121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01666.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We have previously found that whole influenza virus vaccine induced a more rapid and stronger humoral response, particularly after the first dose of vaccine, than split virus vaccine in mice. In this study, we have evaluated the protective efficacy of whole and split influenza virus vaccines in mice using a nonlethal upper respiratory tract challenge model. We have also investigated the immunological correlates associated with no or very little viral shedding after viral challenge. Vaccination resulted in reduced viral shedding and shortened the duration of infection by at least 2 days. After one dose of vaccine, whole virus vaccine generally resulted in less viral shedding than split virus vaccine. In contrast, two doses of split virus vaccine, particularly the highest vaccine strengths of 15 and 30 microg HA, most effectively limited viral replication and these mice had high concentrations of prechallenge influenza-specific serum IgG. The vaccine formulation influenced the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, and this IgG subclass profile was maintained upon challenge to some extent, although it did not influence the level of viral shedding. The concentration of postvaccination serum IgG showed an inverse relationship with the level of viral shedding after viral challenge. Therefore, serum IgG is an important factor in limiting viral replication in the upper respiratory tract upon challenge of an antigenically similar virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-O Hovden
- Influenza Centre, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hovden AO, Cox RJ, Haaheim LR. Whole influenza virus vaccine is more immunogenic than split influenza virus vaccine and induces primarily an IgG2a response in BALB/c mice. Scand J Immunol 2005; 62:36-44. [PMID: 16092921 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01633.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the kinetics and the magnitude of the humoral immune response to two different influenza vaccine formulations, whole and split virus vaccines. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with one or two doses (3 weeks apart) of 7.5, 15 or 30 microg of haemagglutinin of monovalent A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) split or whole virus vaccine. The two vaccine formulations induced similar kinetics of the antibody-secreting cells response; however, differences in the magnitude were observed in the spleen and bone marrow. Vaccination with whole virus vaccine generally elicited a quicker and higher neutralizing antibody response, particularly after the first dose of vaccine. The two vaccine formulations gave different immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass profiles. Split virus vaccine stimulated both IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies suggestive of mixed T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 response, whereas whole virus vaccine induced mainly an IgG2a antibody response, which is indicative of a dominant Th1 response. The increased immunogenicity of whole virus vaccine in a naïve population could reduce the vaccine concentration needed to provide protective immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-O Hovden
- Influenza Centre, Section for Microbiology and Immunology, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cox RJ, Brokstad KA, Ogra P. Influenza virus: immunity and vaccination strategies. Comparison of the immune response to inactivated and live, attenuated influenza vaccines. Scand J Immunol 2004; 59:1-15. [PMID: 14723616 DOI: 10.1111/j.0300-9475.2004.01382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus is a globally important respiratory pathogen which causes a high degree of morbidity and mortality annually. The virus is continuously undergoing antigenic change and thus bypasses the host's acquired immunity to influenza. Despite the improvement in antiviral therapy during the last decade, vaccination is still the most effective method of prophylaxis. Vaccination induces a good degree of protection (60-90% efficacy) and is well tolerated by the recipient. For those at risk of complications from influenza, annual vaccination is recommended due to the antigenic changes in circulating strains. However, there is still room for improvement in vaccine efficacy, long-lasting effect, ease of administration and compliance rates. The mucosal tissues of the respiratory tract are the main portal entry of influenza, and the mucosal immune system provides the first line of defence against infection. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and IgM are the major neutralizing antibodies directed against mucosal pathogens. These antibodies work to prevent pathogen entry and can function intracellularly to inhibit replication of virus. This review describes influenza virus infection, epidemiology, clinical presentation and immune system response, particularly as it pertains to mucosal immunity and vaccine use. Specifically, this review provides an update of the current status on influenza vaccination and concentrates on the two main types of influenza vaccines currently in use, namely the cold-adapted vaccine (CAV) given intranasally/orally, and the inactivated vaccine (IV) delivered subcutanously or intramuscularly. The commercially available trivalent IV (TIV) elicits good serum antibody responses but induces poorly mucosal IgA antibody and cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, the CAV may elicit a long-lasting, broader immune (humoral and cellular) response, which more closely resembles natural immunity. The immune response induced by these two vaccines will be compared in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- Influenza Research Centre; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
The first total synthesis of paraherquamide A, a potent anthelmintic agent isolated from various Penicillium sp. with promising activity against drug-resistant intestinal parasites, is reported. Key steps in this asymmetric, stereocontrolled total synthesis include a new enantioselective synthesis of alpha-alkylated-beta-hydroxyproline derivatives to access the substituted proline nucleus and a highly diastereoselective intramolecular S(N)2' cyclization to generate the core bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane ring system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The first total synthesis of paraherquamide A, a potent anthelmintic agent isolated from various Penicillium sp. with promising activity against drug-resistant intestinal parasites, is reported. Key steps in this asymmetric, stereocontrolled total synthesis include a new enantioselective synthesis of alpha-alkylated-beta-hydroxyproline derivatives to access the substituted proline nucleus and a highly diastereoselective intramolecular S(N)2' cyclization to generate the core bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane ring system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nicholson TP, Winfield C, Westcott J, Crosby J, Simpson TJ, Cox RJ. First in vitro directed biosynthesis of new compounds by a minimal type II polyketide synthase: evidence for the mechanism of chain length determination. Chem Commun (Camb) 2003:686-7. [PMID: 12703773 DOI: 10.1039/b300847a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The minimal actinorhodin polyketide synthase bearing two point mutations (KSbeta Q161A, ACP C17S) was chemically modified to carry novel C4 to C8 starter units on the ACP: on incubation with an excess of malonyl CoA new 16-carbon polyketides are made, supporting a measuring mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T P Nicholson
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, UK BS8 1TS
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Studies from our laboratories on the paraherquamide, brevianamide, and asperparaline families of natural products are reviewed. It has been proposed that the unique core ring system that is common to this family of compounds arises by a biological intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction. Key biosynthetic studies are described, along with classical synthetic approaches as well as those inspired by Nature for the synthesis of these interesting molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
Cox RJ, Mykkeltvedt E, Robertson J, Haaheim LR. Non-lethal viral challenge of influenza haemagglutinin and nucleoprotein DNA vaccinated mice results in reduced viral replication. Scand J Immunol 2002; 55:14-23. [PMID: 11841688 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2002.01015.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Influenza DNA vaccines have been widely studied in experimental animal models and protection documented after lethal viral challenge. In this study, we have investigated the humoral response after a non-lethal viral challenge of mice vaccinated with plasmids encoding the influenza haemagglutinin (HA) or nucleoprotein (NP) genes. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with three doses (100 microg) of HA, NP or backbone plasmid at 3-week intervals, or alternatively infected intranasally, before being challenged with homologous virus 13 weeks later. Mice were then sacrificed at weekly intervals and the antibody-secreting cell response was examined systemically (spleen and bone marrow) and in the respiratory tract (nasal associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and lungs). Sera were collected after each dose of vaccine and at sacrifice and analyzed by ELISA, haemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization assays. We found that previous viral infection apparently elicits sterilizing immunity. Vaccination with HA or NP DNA significantly reduced viral replication in the nasal cavity after viral challenge, however, increases in serum antibody titres were observed after challenge. Prior to challenge, specific antibody-secreting cells were observed in the systemic compartment after HA or NP DNA vaccination but were also found in the NALT after viral challenge. In conclusion, intramuscular DNA vaccination resulted in immunological memory in the systemic compartment, which was rapidly reactivated upon viral challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the nature and extent of perceived unmet needs of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community and to determine their preferences regarding multidisciplinary outreach service delivery. DESIGN Structured telephone interviews. SETTING Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland, Australia. SUBJECTS Sixty people with SCI living in the community were approached for interview and 54 agreed to participate. RESULTS The results reflected a high need for a specialist, multidisciplinary SCI outreach service following primary rehabilitation. There were a diversity of issues faced by people with SCI. A high or very high need was reported by 31% of participants in relation to physical changes, by 24% regarding transport, by 22% for work issues and by 19% with respect to ongoing education needs. The greatest perceived barrier to needs being met was limited local specialist knowledge about SCI (81% of participants). A service model which includes access to telephone advice was endorsed by 79% of participants, and 43% supported home visiting that is available to rural and remote areas. Spinal Injuries Unit outpatient clinic appointments were also a preference for service delivery (40% of participants). CONCLUSIONS Trial and evaluation of the telephone as a primary medium for service delivery, and education of local service providers is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- Spinal Outreach Team, Buranda, Brisbane, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cox RJ, Hadfield AT, Mayo-Martín MB. Difluoromethylene analogues of aspartyl phosphate: the first synthetic inhibitors of aspartate semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase. Chem Commun (Camb) 2001:1710-1. [PMID: 12240277 DOI: 10.1039/b103988c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The difluoromethylene analogue of aspartyl phosphate 6 has been prepared by the fluoride catalysed coupling of diethyl trimethylsilyldifluoromethyl phosphonate with an appropriate aldehyde followed by Dess-Martin oxidation and deprotection; the deprotected compound inhibited (KI 95 microM) aspartate semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase, a key enzyme involved in bacterial amino acid and peptidoglycan biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Zanamivir is licensed for influenza treatment, but may also play a role in prophylaxis either alone or in combination with vaccine in epidemic periods. We conducted a double blind placebo controlled trial to investigate the effect of zanamivir treatment on the humoral immune response to influenza vaccine. Forty young healthy volunteers were vaccinated with licensed trivalent influenza vaccine and received 20 mg zanamivir (24 subjects) or placebo (16 subjects) daily for a period of 14 days. No significant differences were observed in the magnitude or the time course of the antibody response to the influenza H3N2 and B strains between the two groups, in contrast the placebo group responded with higher antibody titres to the H1N1. Our results suggest that during an influenza epidemic, volunteers would only need to continue zanamivir treatment for the initial 12 days after vaccination whilst the vaccine induced protective antibody response developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, N-5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) provides the first line of defence against pathogens initiating infection via the mucosal route, e.g. the influenza virus. The aim of this study was to examine the basal level of influenza-specific antibody-secreting cell (ASC) in the local mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Nineteen patients scheduled for tonsillectomy were enrolled for the study, and they had not experienced influenza during the previous year. Tonsils, blood, oral fluid and a nasal biopsy were sampled, and the basal levels of ASC and antibodies (Abs) were determined. We found low numbers of influenza-specific ASC in the blood and tonsils, but there were about 10-100 times higher numbers of specific ASC in the nasal mucosa tissue despite no recent influenza exposure. Thus, the basal level of influenza-specific ASC in the mucosa of the respiratory tract may be important in the protection against influenza infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Brokstad
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nicholson TP, Rudd BA, Dawson M, Lazarus CM, Simpson TJ, Cox RJ. Design and utility of oligonucleotide gene probes for fungal polyketide synthases. Chem Biol 2001; 8:157-78. [PMID: 11251290 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(00)90064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in the molecular biology of polyketide biosynthesis have allowed the engineering of polyketide synthases and the biological ('combinatorial') synthesis of novel polyketides. Additional structural diversity in these compounds could be expected if more diverse polyketide synthases (PKS) could be utilised. Fungal polyketides are highly variable in structure, reflecting a potentially wide range of differences in the structure and function of fungal PKS complexes. Relatively few fungal synthases have been investigated, perhaps because of a lack of suitable genetic techniques available for the isolation and manipulation of gene clusters from diverse hosts. We set out to devise a general method for the detection of specific PKS genes from fungi. RESULTS We examined sequence data from known fungal and bacterial polyketide synthases as well as sequence data from bacterial, fungal and vertebrate fatty acid synthases in order to determine regions of high sequence conservation. Using individual domains such as beta-ketoacylsynthases (KS), beta-ketoreductases (KR) and methyltransferases (MeT) we determined specific short (ca 7 amino acid) sequences showing high conservation for particular functional domains (e.g. fungal KR domains involved in producing partially reduced metabolites; fungal KS domains involved in the production of highly reduced metabolites etc.). Degenerate PCR primers were designed matching these regions of specific homology and the primers were used in PCR reactions with fungal genomic DNA from a number of known polyketide producing species. Products obtained from these reactions were sequenced and shown to be fragments from as-yet undiscovered PKS gene clusters. The fragments could be used in blotting experiments with either homologous or heterologous fungal genomic DNA. CONCLUSIONS A number of sequences are presented which have high utility for the discovery of novel fungal PKS gene clusters. The sequences appear to be specific for particular types of fungal polyketide (i.e. non-reduced, partially reduced or highly reduced KS domains). We have also developed primers suitable for amplifying segments of fungal genes encoding polyketide C-methyltransferase domains. Genomic fragments amplified using these specific primer sequences can be used in blotting experiments and have high potential as aids for the eventual cloning of new fungal PKS gene clusters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T P Nicholson
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Clifton, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
In order to elucidate the discriminating power of various soil analytical techniques, over 100 soils samples were analyzed using conventional analysis (i.e., color, percent organic and density gradient) and a novel FTIR technique. The FTIR technique involves collecting a spectrum of a soil sample that has been oxidatively pyrolysed, and therefore all organic have been degraded. This spectrum is subtracted from the spectrum of the same sample that contained the organic prior to pyrolysis. This resultant IR spectrum represents the organic portion of the sample. The use of organic components increases the discrimination in soils that are otherwise similar. We have illustrated the usefulness of this technique by selecting four soil samples, which have identical Munsel color values but can be discriminated by subtractive ETIR. We propose that the ETIR spectra of the organic portion of soil serves a useful purpose in forensic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, Ashland, OR 97520, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Adlington RM, Baldwin JE, Challis GL, Cox RJ, Pritchard GJ. Towards a Biomimetic Synthesis of the Marine Alkaloids Papuamine and Haliclonadiamine: Model Studies. Tetrahedron 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0040-4020(99)01011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
|
44
|
El-Madhun AS, Cox RJ, Haaheim LR. The effect of age and natural priming on the IgG and IgA subclass responses after parenteral influenza vaccination. J Infect Dis 1999; 180:1356-60. [PMID: 10479172 DOI: 10.1086/315003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of natural priming and age on serum IgG and IgA subclass responses after parenteral trivalent influenza vaccination. Sera from 18 young children and 8 adults were collected at various times after vaccination. An ELISA was performed to quantify the concentrations of antibody subclasses. The children were divided into primed and unprimed groups based on the presence of prevaccination serum antibodies. In both children and adults, IgG1 and IgA1 were the predominant IgG and IgA subclasses detected after vaccination. No IgG2 responses were detected in sera of unprimed children, and the proportion of the IgG2 response was lower in primed children than in adults. This suggests that the IgG2 immune response in young children is dependent on previous priming and may mature later than the other IgG subclasses after parenteral influenza vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S El-Madhun
- The Norwegian Medicines Control Authority, Sven Oftedals vei 6, N-0950 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bisang C, Long PF, Cortés J, Westcott J, Crosby J, Matharu AL, Cox RJ, Simpson TJ, Staunton J, Leadlay PF. A chain initiation factor common to both modular and aromatic polyketide synthases. Nature 1999; 401:502-5. [PMID: 10519556 DOI: 10.1038/46829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic-producing polyketide synthases (PKSs) are enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis in Streptomyces and related filamentous bacteria of a remarkably broad range of bioactive metabolites, including antitumour aromatic compounds such as mithramycin and macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin. The molecular basis for the selection of the starter unit on aromatic PKSs is unknown. Here we show that a component of aromatic PKS, previously named 'chain-length factor', is a factor required for polyketide chain initiation and that this factor has decarboxylase activity towards malonyl-ACP (acyl carrier protein). We have re-examined the mechanism of initiation on modular PKSs and have identified as a specific initiation factor a domain of previously unknown function named KSQ, which operates like chain-length factor. Both KSQ and chain-length factor are similar to the ketosynthase domains that catalyse polyketide chain extension in modular multifunctional PKSs and in aromatic PKSs, respectively, except that the ketosynthase domain active-site cysteine residue is replaced by a highly conserved glutamine in KSQ and in chain-length factor. The glutamine residue is important both for decarboxylase activity and for polyketide synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Bisang
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The radio-immunoblot (RIB) assay was used to examine the antibody response to proteins of the vaccine strains induced after influenza vaccination. Vaccination stimulated an antibody response to the surface glycoproteins (HA and NA) and to the internal antigens (NP and M) of the three vaccine strains. Antibodies were detected to both the monomeric form of the haemagglutinin (HA) and its two subunits HA1 and HA2. In addition, antibody to the monomeric form of NA was detected. A wide range of response patterns was observed to the viral proteins. All three major antibody classes (IgG, IgA and IgM) were induced after vaccination and in the majority of volunteers the antibody reactivity increased one week after vaccination. IgM antibodies had a wider reactivity pattern, recognising proteins and subunits which were not fully processed or slightly degraded. The varied antibody response induced after influenza vaccination reflects the differing infection histories of the volunteers with influenza. We show some of the practical limitations of studying the antibody response to influenza vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- Department of Molecular Biology, HiB, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Matharu AL, Cox RJ, Crosby J, Byrom KJ, Simpson TJ. MCAT is not required for in vitro polyketide synthesis in a minimal actinorhodin polyketide synthase from Streptomyces coelicolor. Chem Biol 1998; 5:699-711. [PMID: 9862793 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(98)90663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proposed that Streptomyces malonyl CoA: holo acyl carrier protein transacylases (MCATs) provide a link between fatty acid and polyketide biosynthesis. Two recent studies have provided evidence that the presence of MCAT is essential for polyketide synthesis to proceed in reconstituted minimal polyketide synthases (PKSs). In contrast to this, we previously showed that the holo acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) from type II PKSs are capable of catalytic self-malonylation in the presence of malonyl CoA, which suggests that MCAT might not be necessary for polyketide biosynthesis. RESULTS We reconstituted a homologous actinorhodin (act) type II minimal PKS in vitro. When act holo-ACP is present in limiting concentrations, MCAT is required by the synthase complex in order for polyketide biosynthesis to proceed. When holo-ACP is present in excess, however, efficient polyketide synthesis proceeds without MCAT. The rate of polyketide production increases with holo-ACP concentration, but at low ACP concentration or equimolar AC:KS:CLF (KS, ketosynthase; CLF, chain length determining factor) concentrations this rate is significantly lower than expected, indicating that free holo-ACP is sequestered by the KS/CLF complex. CONCLUSIONS The rate of polyketide biosynthesis is dictated by the ratio of holo-ACP to KS and CLF, as well as by the total protein concentration. There is no absolute requirement for MCAT in polyketide biosynthesis in vitro, although the role of MCAT during polyketide synthesis in vivo remains an open question. MCAT might be responsible for the rate enhancement of malonyl transfer at very low free holo-ACP concentrations or it could be required to catalyse the transfer of malonyl groups from malonyl CoA to sequestered holo-ACP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Matharu
- School of Chemistry University of Bristol Cantock's Close Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
el-Madhun AS, Cox RJ, Søreide A, Olofsson J, Haaheim LR. Systemic and mucosal immune responses in young children and adults after parenteral influenza vaccination. J Infect Dis 1998; 178:933-9. [PMID: 9806018 DOI: 10.1086/515656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of natural mucosal priming on systemic and mucosal immune responses was investigated in young children after parenteral influenza vaccination. Eighteen young children and 8 adults were vaccinated with trivalent influenza vaccine at various time intervals before tonsillectomy. The influenza-specific IgG, IgA, and IgM immune responses were examined in tonsillar lymphocytes and frequent samples of peripheral blood and oral fluid. Young children were divided into primed and unprimed groups on the basis of presence of prevaccination serum antibodies. In peripheral blood, adults and primed children had significantly higher IgG and IgA antibody responses than did unprimed children. Irrespective of priming, children elicited weaker IgA responses than adults in both tonsils and oral fluid. While natural priming was essential to elicit strong systemic response in young children after parenteral influenza vaccination, it did not influence the local responses, which were significantly lower in both primed and unprimed children than in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S el-Madhun
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Crosby J, Byrom KJ, Hitchman TS, Cox RJ, Crump MP, Findlow IS, Bibb MJ, Simpson TJ. Acylation of Streptomyces type II polyketide synthase acyl carrier proteins. FEBS Lett 1998; 433:132-8. [PMID: 9738947 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00840-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acyl derivatives of type II PKS ACPs are required for in vitro studies of polyketide biosynthesis. The presence of an exposed cysteine residue prevented specific chemical acylation of the phosphopantetheine thiol of the actinorhodin PKS holo ACP. Acylation studies were further complicated by intramolecular disulphide formation between cysteine 17 and the phosphopantetheine. The presence of this intramolecular disulphide was confirmed by tryptic digestion of the ACP followed by ESMS analysis of the fragments. An act Cys17Ser ACP was engineered by site-directed mutagenesis. S-Acyl adducts of act C17S, oxytetracycline and griseusin holo ACPs were rapidly formed by reaction with hexanoyl, 5-ketohexanoyl and protected acetoacetyl imidazolides. Comparisons with type 11 FAS ACPs were made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Crosby
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cox RJ, Schouten JA, Stentiford RA, Wareing KJ. Peptide inhibitors of N-succinyl diaminopimelic acid aminotransferase (DAP-AT): a novel class of antimicrobial compounds. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 1998; 8:945-50. [PMID: 9871517 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(98)00149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dipeptide substrates of N-Succinyl Diaminopimelic Acid Aminotransferase (DAP-AT) were converted to hydrazines by treatment with hydrazine and cyanoborohydride. These compounds were tested in vitro as inhibitors of DAP-AT from E. coli and in vivo as antibiotics. The hydrazino-dipeptides showed potent slow binding slow binding inhibition of DAP-AT as well as antimicrobial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Cox
- University of Bristol, School of Chemistry, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|