Design of novel and highly selective SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.

We have synthesized a novel and highly selective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease peptide mimetic inhibitor mimicking the replicase 1ab recognition sequence -Val-Leu-Gln- and utilizing a cysteine selective acyloxymethyl ketone as the electrophilic warhead to target the active site Cys145. Utilizing a constrained cyclic peptide that locks the conformation between the P3 (Val) and P2 (Leu) residues, we identified a highly selective inhibitor that fills the P2 pocket occupied by the leucine residue sidechain of PF-00835231 and the dimethyl-3-azabicyclo-hexane motif in nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332). This strategy resulted in potent and highly selective Mpro inhibitors without inhibiting essential host cathepsin cysteine or serine proteases. The lead prototype compound 1 (MPro IC50 = 230 ± 18 nM) also inhibits the replication of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro, including SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, and can synergize at lower concentrations with the viral RNA polymerase inhibitor, remdesivir, to inhibit replication. It also reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-infected Syrian golden hamsters without obvious toxicities, demonstrating in vivo efficacy. This novel lead structure provides the basis for optimization of improved agents targeting evolving SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance that can selectively act on Mpro versus host proteases and are less likely to have off-target effects due to non-specific targeting. Developing inhibitors against the active site of the main protease (Mpro), which is highly conserved across coronaviruses, is expected to impart a higher genetic barrier to evolving SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance. Drugs that selectively inhibit the viral Mpro are less likely to have off-target effects warranting efforts to improve this therapy.

Differential immunometabolic responses to Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants in golden syrian hamsters.

Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants of SARS-CoV-2 represents unique clinical characteristics. However, their role in altering immunometabolic regulations during acute infection remains convoluted. Here, we evaluated the differential immunopathogenesis of Delta vs. Omicron variants in Golden Syrian hamsters (GSH). The Delta variant resulted in higher virus titers in throat swabs and the lungs and exhibited higher lung damage with immune cell infiltration than the Omicron variant. The gene expression levels of immune mediators and metabolic enzymes, Arg-1 and IDO1 in the Delta-infected lungs were significantly higher compared to Omicron. Further, Delta/Omicron infection perturbed carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, and TCA cycle metabolites and was differentially regulated compared to uninfected lungs. Collectively, our data provide a novel insight into immunometabolic/pathogenic outcomes for Delta vs. Omicron infection in the GSH displaying concordance with COVID-19 patients associated with inflammation and tissue injury during acute infection that offered possible new targets to develop potential therapeutics.

"Mpox in MSM: Tackling Stigma, Minimizing Risk Factors, Exploring Pathogenesis, and Treatment Approaches".

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPV), primarily found in Central and West African countries. The typical presentation of the disease before the 2022 mpox outbreak includes a febrile prodrome 5-13 days post-exposure, accompanied by lymphadenopathy, malaise, headache, and muscle aches. Unexpectedly, during the 2022 outbreak, several cases of atypical presentations of the disease were reported, such as the absence of prodromal symptoms and the presence of genital skin lesions suggestive of sexual transmission. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 20, 2024, 94,707 cases of mpox were reported worldwide, resulting in 181 deaths (22 in African endemic regions and 159 in non-endemic countries). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 32,063 cases (33.85% of total cases globally), with 58 deaths (32.04% of global deaths) due to mpox. Person-to-person transmission of mpox can occur through respiratory droplets and sustained close contact. However, during the 2022 outbreak of mpox, a high incidence of anal and perianal lesions among MSMs indicated sexual transmission of MPV as a major route of transmission. Since MSMs are disproportionately at risk for HIV transmission, this review discusses the risk factors, transmission patterns, pathogenesis, vaccine, and treatment options for mpox among MSM and people living with HIV (PLWH). Furthermore, we provide a brief perspective on the evolution of the MPV in immunocompromised people like PLWH.

SRX3177, a CDK4/6-PI3K-BET inhibitor, in combination with an RdRp inhibitor, Molnupiravir, or an entry inhibitor MU-UNMC-2, has potent antiviral activity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Despite considerable progress in developing vaccines and antivirals to combat COVID-19, the rapid mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome have limited the durability and efficacy of the current vaccines and therapeutic interventions. Hence, it necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches or repurposing existing drugs that target either viral life cycle, host factors, or both. Here, we report that SRX3177, a potent triple-activity CDK4/6-PI3K-BET inhibitor, blocks replication of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with IC50 values at sub-micromolar concentrations without any impact on the cell proliferation of Calu-3 cells at and below its IC50 concentration. When SRX3177 is combined with EIDD-1931 (active moiety of a small-molecule prodrug Molnupiravir) or MU-UNMC-2 (a SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor) at a fixed doses matrix, a synergistic effect was observed, leading to the significant reduction in the dose of the individual compounds to achieve similar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Herein, we report that the combination of SRX3177/MPV or SRX3177/UM-UNMC-2 has the potential for further development as a combinational therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and in any future outbreak of beta coronavirus.

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications.

Historically, cannabis has been valued for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese medicines recognized their therapeutic potential. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabis phytoconstituents, has scientifically explained how cannabis affects the human immune system, including the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores the evolving world of cannabis-based treatments, spotlighting its diverse applications. By researching current research and clinical studies, we probe into how cannabinoids like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) help to manage conditions ranging from chronic pain, persistent inflammation, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders to even viral diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2. and the emerging monkeypox. The long-term recreational use of cannabis can develop into cannabis use disorder (CUD), and therefore, understanding the factors contributing to the development and maintenance of cannabis addiction, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological mechanisms, and environmental influences, will be timely. Shedding light on the adverse impacts of CUD underscores the importance of early intervention, effective treatment approaches, and public health initiatives to address this complex issue in an evolving landscape of cannabis policies and perceptions.

Efficient trapping and destruction of SARS-CoV-2 using PECO-assisted Molekule air purifiers in the laboratory and real-world settings.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted human-to-human via aerosols and air-borne droplets. Therefore, capturing and destroying viruses from indoor premises are essential to reduce the probability of human exposure and virus transmission. While the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems help in reducing the indoor viral load, a targeted approach is required to effectively remove SARS-CoV-2 from indoor air to address human exposure concerns. The present study demonstrates efficient trapping and destruction of SARS-CoV-2 via nano-enabled filter technology using the UV-A-stimulated photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) process. Aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 were generated by nebulization inside an air-controlled test chamber where an air purifier (Air Mini+) was placed. The study demonstrated the efficient removal of SARS-CoV-2 (99.98 %) from the test chamber in less than two minutes and PECO-assisted destruction (over 99%) on the filtration media in 1 h. Furthermore, in a real-world scenario, the Molekule Air-Pro air purifier removed SARS-CoV-2 (a negative RT-qPCR result post-running the filter device) from the circulating air in a COVID-19 testing facility. Overall, the ability of two FDA-approved class II medical devices, Molekule Air-Mini+ and Air-Pro air purifiers, to remove and destroy SARS-CoV-2 in indoor settings was successfully demonstrated. The study indicates that as the "tripledemic" of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) overwhelm the healthcare facilities in the USA, the use of a portable air filtration device will help contain the spread of the viruses in close door facilities, such as in schools and daycare facilities.

Proteomic landscape of astrocytes and pericytes infected with HIV/SARS-CoV-2 mono/co-infection, impacting on neurological complications.

Background: Although most individuals recover from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within a few weeks, some people continue to experience a wide range of symptoms known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID. Majority of patients with PASC develop neurological disorders like brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disorders, loss of smell and test among others collectively called neuro-PASC. While the people living with HIV (PWH) do not have a higher risk of developing severe disease and mortality/morbidity due to COVID-19. As a large section of PWH suffered from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), it is essential to understand the impact of neuro-PASC on people with HAND. In pursuit of this, we infected HIV/SARS-CoV-2 alone or together in primary human astrocytes and pericytes and performed proteomics to understand the impact of co-infection in the central nervous system. Methods: Primary human astrocytes and pericytes were infected with SARS-CoV-2 or HIV or HIV + SARS-CoV-2. The concentration of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA in the culture supernatant was quantified using reverse transcriptase quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This was followed by a quantitative proteomics analysis of mock, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV + SARS-CoV-2 infected astrocytes and pericytes to understand the impact of the virus in CNS cell types. Results: Both healthy and HIV-infected astrocytes and pericytes support abortive/low level of SARS-CoV-2 replication. In both mono-infected and co-infected cells, we observe a modest increase in the expression of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry factors (ACE2, TMPRSS2, NRP1, and TRIM28) and inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-18). Quantitative proteomic analysis has identified uniquely regulated pathways in mock vs SARS-CoV-2, mock vs HIV + SARS-CoV-2, and HIV vs HIV + SARS-CoV-2 infected astrocytes and pericytes. The gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the top ten enriched pathways are linked to several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the significance of long-term monitoring of patients co-infected with HIV and SARS-CoV-2 to detect and understand the development of neurological abnormalities. By unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved, we can identify potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Potential therapeutic targets for Mpox: the evidence to date.

INTRODUCTION: The global Mpox (MPX) disease outbreak caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV) in 2022 alarmed the World Health Organization (WHO) and health regulation agencies of individual countries leading to the declaration of MPX as a Public Health Emergency. Owing to the genetic similarities between smallpox-causing poxvirus and MPXV, vaccine JYNNEOS, and anti-smallpox drugs Brincidofovir and Tecovirimat were granted emergency use authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The WHO also included cidofovir, NIOCH-14, and other vaccines as treatment options. AREAS COVERED: This article covers the historical development of EUA-granted antivirals, resistance to these antivirals, and the projected impact of signature mutations on the potency of antivirals against currently circulating MPXV. Since a high prevalence of MPXV infections in individuals coinfected with HIV and MPXV, the treatment results among these individuals have been included. EXPERT OPINION: All EUA-granted drugs have been approved for smallpox treatment. These antivirals show good potency against Mpox. However, conserved resistance mutation positions in MPXV and related poxviruses, and the signature mutations in the 2022 MPXV can potentially compromise the efficacy of the EUA-granted treatments. Therefore, MPXV-specific medications are required not only for the current but also for possible future outbreaks.

ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and Neuropilin-1 Receptor Expression on Human Brain Astrocytes and Pericytes and SARS-CoV-2 Infection Kinetics.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2), Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS-2) and Neuropilin-1 cellular receptors support the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into susceptible human target cells and are characterized at the molecular level. Some evidence on the expression of entry receptors at mRNA and protein levels in brain cells is available, but co-expression of these receptors and confirmatory evidence on brain cells is lacking. SARS-CoV-2 infects some brain cell types, but infection susceptibility, multiple entry receptor density, and infection kinetics are rarely reported in specific brain cell types. Highly sensitive Taqman ddPCR, flow-cytometry and immunocytochemistry assays were used to quantitate the expression of ACE-2, TMPRSS-2 and Neuropilin-1 at mRNA and protein levels on human brain-extracted pericytes and astrocytes, which are an integral part of the Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB). Astrocytes showed moderate ACE-2 (15.9 ± 1.3%, Mean ± SD, n = 2) and TMPRSS-2 (17.6%) positive cells, and in contrast show high Neuropilin-1 (56.4 ± 39.8%, n = 4) protein expression. Whereas pericytes showed variable ACE-2 (23.1 ± 20.7%, n = 2), Neuropilin-1 (30.3 ± 7.5%, n = 4) protein expression and higher TMPRSS-2 mRNA (667.2 ± 232.3, n = 3) expression. Co-expression of multiple entry receptors on astrocytes and pericytes allows entry of SARS-CoV-2 and progression of infection. Astrocytes showed roughly four-fold more virus in culture supernatants than pericytes. SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry receptor expression and "in vitro" viral kinetics in astrocytes and pericytes may improve our understanding of viral infection "in vivo". In addition, this study may facilitate the development of novel strategies to counter the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibit viral infection in brain tissues to prevent the spread and interference in neuronal functions.

Inflammation-Associated Lung Tissue Remodeling and Fibrosis in Morphine-Dependent SIV-Infected Macaques.

With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, improved survival of people with HIV (PWH) is accompanied with increased prevalence of HIV-associated comorbidities. Chronic lung anomalies are recognized as one of the most devastating sequelae in PWH. The limited available data describing the lung complications in PWH with a history of opioid abuse warrants more research to better define the course of disease pathogenesis. The current study was conducted to investigate the progression of lung tissue remodeling in a morphine (Mor)-exposed rhesus macaque model of SIV infection. Pathologic features of lung remodeling, including histopathologic changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation of fibroblasts, were investigated in archival lung tissues of SIVmac-251/macaque model with or without Mor dependence. Lungs of Mor-exposed, SIV-infected macaques exhibited significant fibrotic changes and collagen deposition in the alveolar and the bronchiolar region. There was increased oxidative stress, profibrotic transforming growth factor-ß, fibroblast proliferation and trans-differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and matrix degradation in SIV-infected macaques, which was further exacerbated in the lungs of Mor-exposed macaques. Interestingly, there was decreased inflammation-associated remodeling in Mor-dependent SIV-infected macaques compared with SIV-infected macaques that did not receive Mor. Thus, the current findings suggest that SIV independently induces fibrotic changes in macaque lungs, which is further aggravated by Mor.

Morphine suppresses peripheral responses and transforms brain myeloid gene expression to favor neuropathogenesis in SIV infection.

The twin pandemics of opioid abuse and HIV infection can have devastating effects on physiological systems, including on the brain. Our previous work found that morphine increased the viral reservoir in the brains of treated SIV-infected macaques. In this study, we investigated the interaction of morphine and SIV to identify novel host-specific targets using a multimodal approach. We probed systemic parameters and performed single-cell examination of the targets for infection in the brain, microglia and macrophages. Morphine treatment created an immunosuppressive environment, blunting initial responses to infection, which persisted during antiretroviral treatment. Antiretroviral drug concentrations and penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid and brain were unchanged by morphine treatment. Interestingly, the transcriptional signature of both microglia and brain macrophages was transformed to one of a neurodegenerative phenotype. Notably, the expression of osteopontin, a pleiotropic cytokine, was significantly elevated in microglia. This was especially notable in the white matter, which is also dually affected by HIV and opioids. Increased osteopontin expression was linked to numerous HIV neuropathogenic mechanisms, including those that can maintain a viral reservoir. The opioid morphine is detrimental to SIV/HIV infection, especially in the brain.

Systems biology analyses reveal enhanced chronic morphine distortion of gut-brain interrelationships in simian human immunodeficiency virus infected rhesus macaques.

Background: Commonly used opioids, such as morphine have been implicated in augmented SIV/HIV persistence within the central nervous system (CNS). However, the extent of myeloid cell polarization and viral persistence in different brain regions remains unclear. Additionally, the additive effects of morphine on SIV/HIV dysregulation of gut-brain crosstalk remain underexplored. Therefore, studies focused on understanding how drugs of abuse such as morphine affect immune dynamics, viral persistence and gut-brain interrelationships are warranted. Materials and methods: For a total of 9 weeks, rhesus macaques were ramped-up, and twice daily injections of either morphine (n = 4) or saline (n = 4) administered. This was later followed with infection with SHIVAD8EO variants. At necropsy, mononuclear cells were isolated from diverse brain [frontal lobe, cerebellum, medulla, putamen, hippocampus (HIP) and subventricular zone (SVZ)] and gut [lamina propria (LP) and muscularis (MUSC) of ascending colon, duodenum, and ileum] regions. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to were profile for myeloid cell polarity/activation and results corroborated with indirect immunofluorescence assays. Simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) DNA levels were measured with aid of the digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Luminex assays were then used to evaluate soluble plasma/CSF biomarker levels. Finally, changes in the fecal microbiome were evaluated using 16S rRNA on the Illumina NovaSeq platform. Results: Flow Cytometry-based semi-supervised analysis revealed that morphine exposure led to exacerbated M1 (CD14/CD16)/M2 (CD163/CD206) polarization in activated microglia that spanned across diverse brain regions. This was accompanied by elevated SHIV DNA within the sites of neurogenesis-HIP and SVZ. HIP/SVZ CD16+ activated microglia positively correlated with SHIV DNA levels in the brain (r = 0.548, p = 0.042). Simultaneously, morphine dependence depleted butyrate-producing bacteria, including Ruminococcus (p = 0.05), Lachnospira (p = 0.068) genera and Roseburia_sp_831b (p = 0.068). Finally, morphine also altered the regulation of CNS inflammation by reducing the levels of IL1 Receptor antagonist (IL1Ra). Conclusion: These findings are suggestive that morphine promotes CNS inflammation by altering receptor modulation, increasing myeloid brain activation, distorting gut-brain crosstalk, and causing selective enhancement of SHIV persistence in sites of neurogenesis.

Modular nanoarray vaccine for SARS-CoV-2.

The current vaccine development strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic utilize whole inactive or attenuated viruses, virus-like particles, recombinant proteins, and antigen-coding DNA and mRNA with various delivery strategies. While highly effective, these vaccine development strategies are time-consuming and often do not provide reliable protection for immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant women. Here, we propose a novel modular vaccine platform to address these shortcomings using chemically synthesized peptides identified based on the validated bioinformatic data about the target. The vaccine is based on the rational design of an immunogen containing two defined B-cell epitopes from the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and the universal T-helper epitope PADRE. The epitopes were conjugated to short DNA probes and combined with a complementary scaffold strand, resulting in sequence-specific self-assembly. The immunogens were then formulated by conjugation to gold nanoparticles by three methods or by co-crystallization with epsilon inulin. BALB/C mice were immunized with each formulation, and the IgG immune responses and virus neutralizing titers were compared. The results demonstrate that this assembly is immunogenic and generates neutralizing antibodies against wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant.

Immunomodulatory LncRNA on antisense strand of ICAM-1 augments SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated airway mucoinflammatory phenotype.

Noncoding RNAs are important regulators of mucoinflammatory response, but little is known about the contribution of airway long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in COVID-19. RNA-seq analysis showed a more than 4-fold increased expression of IL-6, ICAM-1, CXCL-8, and SCGB1A1 inflammatory factors; MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins; and SPDEF, FOXA3, and FOXJ1 transcription factors in COVID-19 patient nasal samples compared with uninfected controls. A lncRNA on antisense strand to ICAM-1 or LASI was induced 2-fold in COVID-19 patients, and its expression was directly correlated with viral loads. A SARS-CoV-2-infected 3D-airway model largely recapitulated these clinical findings. RNA microscopy and molecular modeling indicated a possible interaction between viral RNA and LASI lncRNA. Notably, blocking LASI lncRNA reduced the SARS-CoV-2 replication and suppressed MUC5AC mucin levels and associated inflammation, and select LASI-dependent miRNAs (e.g., let-7b-5p and miR-200a-5p) were implicated. Thus, LASI lncRNA represents an essential facilitator of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated airway mucoinflammatory response.

Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope E protein to human BRD4 is essential for infection.

Emerging new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and inevitable acquired drug resistance call for the continued search of new pharmacological targets to fight the potentially fatal infection. Here, we describe the mechanisms by which the E protein of SARS-CoV-2 hijacks the human transcriptional regulator BRD4. We found that SARS-CoV-2 E is acetylated in vivo and co-immunoprecipitates with BRD4 in human cells. Bromodomains (BDs) of BRD4 bind to the C-terminus of the E protein, acetylated by human acetyltransferase p300, whereas the ET domain of BRD4 recognizes the unmodified motif of the E protein. Inhibitors of BRD4 BDs, JQ1 or OTX015, decrease SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in lung bronchial epithelial cells, indicating that the acetyllysine binding function of BDs is necessary for the virus fitness and that BRD4 represents a potential anti-COVID-19 target. Our findings provide insight into molecular mechanisms that contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and shed light on a new strategy to block SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The 2022 outbreak and the pathobiology of the monkeypox virus.

Following two reports of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who returned from Nigeria to the USA, one who returned to Texas (July 2021) and the other to the Washington, DC area (November 2021), the number of monkeypox infection have dramatically increased. This sounded an alarm of potential for spreading of the virus throughout the USA. During 2022, there was a report of monkeypox virus infection (May 6, 2022) in a British national following a visit to Nigeria who developed readily recognizable signs and symptoms of monkeypox virus infection. Soon following this report, case numbers climbed. By June 10, 2022, more than 1,500 cases were reported in 43 countries, including Europe and North America. While the prevalence of the monkeypox virus is well known in central and western Africa, its presence in the developed world has raised disturbing signs for worldwide spread. While infection was reported during the past half-century, starting in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, in the United States, only sporadic monkeypox cases have been reported. All cases have been linked to international travel or through African animal imports. The monkeypox virus is transmitted through contact with infected skin, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. The virus spreads from oral and nasopharyngeal fluid exchanges or by intradermal injection; then rapidly replicates at the inoculation site with spreads to adjacent lymph nodes. Monkeypox disease begins with constitutional symptoms that include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, backache, and fatigue. Phylogenetically the virus has two clades. One clade emerged from West Africa and the other in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. During the most recent outbreak, the identity of the reservoir host or the primary carriage remains unknown. African rodents are the suspected intermediate hosts. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) affirmed that there are no specific treatments for the 2022 monkeypox virus infection; existing antivirals shown to be effective against smallpox may slow monkeypox spread. A smallpox vaccine JYNNEOS (Imvamune or Imvanex) may also be used to prevent infection. The World Health Organization (WHO), has warned that the world could be facing a formidable infectious disease challenge in light of the current status of worldwide affairs. These affairs include the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war. In addition, the recent rise in case of numbers worldwide could continue to pose an international threat. With this in mind, strategies to mitigate the spread of monkeypox virus are warranted.

Combining antiviral drugs with BET inhibitors is beneficial in combatting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in more than 500 million cases and 6 million deaths. Several antiviral therapies and vaccines have been developed to mitigate the spread of this infection. However, new approaches are required to battle emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants containing mutations that can reduce the vaccines' efficacy. The use of a combination of viral drugs with inhibitors of the mTOR signaling pathways has emerged as one of the promising novel approaches. We recently showed that SF2523, a dual activity small molecule that inhibits PI3K and BRD4, acts synergistically with the antiviral drugs remdesivir and MU-UNMC-2. Our findings suggest that the mTOR pathways are necessary for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in human cells and targeting PI3K/BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal domain proteins) alone or combined with antiviral therapies is beneficial in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs).

Peptide Nanoarray Scaffold Vaccine for SARS-COV-2 and Its Variants of Concerns.

The current vaccine development strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic utilize whole inactive or attenuated viruses, virus-like particles, recombinant proteins, and antigen-coding DNA and mRNA with various delivery strategies. While highly effective, these vaccine development strategies are time-consuming and often do not provide reliable protection for immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant women. Here, we propose a novel modular vaccine platform to address these shortcomings using chemically synthesized peptides and identified based on the validated bioinformatic data about the target. The vaccine is based on the rational design of an immunogen containing two defined B-cell epitopes from the spike protein of SARS-Co-V2 and a universal T-helper epitope PADRE assembled on the DNA scaffold. The results demonstrate that this assembly is immunogenic and generates neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and its variants of concerns (VOC). This newly designed peptide nanoarray scaffold vaccine is useful in controlling virus transmission in immunocompromised individuals, as well as individuals who are prone to vaccine-induced adverse reactions. Given that the immunogen is modular, epitopes or immunomodulatory ligands can be easily introduced in order to tailor the vaccine to the recipient. This also allows the already developed vaccine to be modified rapidly according to the identified mutations of the virus.

Characterization of multiple interactions between the envelope E protein of SARS-CoV-2 and human BRD4.

The SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein hijacks human BRD4 (bromodomain and extra-terminal domain protein 4). Here, we describe a protocol to characterize the interaction of the acetylated E protein with BRD4 in vivo. We detail steps to use NMR spectroscopy to map the binding interface and include steps to monitor the effect of BRD4 inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung bronchial epithelial cells. This approach could be applied to study interactions involving other viral and human proteins. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Vann et al. (2022).1.