Discovery of 2-Amide-3-methylester Thiophenes that Target SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 and Repress Coronavirus Replication, Validating Mac1 as an Antiviral Target.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has made it clear that further development of antiviral therapies will be needed. Here, we describe small-molecule inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Mac1, which counters ADP-ribosylation-mediated innate immune responses. Three high-throughput screening hits had the same 2-amide-3-methylester thiophene scaffold. We studied the compound binding mode using X-ray crystallography, allowing us to design analogues. Compound 27 (MDOLL-0229) had an IC50 of 2.1 µM and was selective for CoV Mac1 proteins after profiling for activity against a panel of viral and human proteins. The improved potency allowed testing of its effect on virus replication, and indeed, 27 inhibited replication of both murine hepatitis virus (MHV) prototypes CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Sequencing of a drug-resistant MHV identified mutations in Mac1, further demonstrating the specificity of 27. Compound 27 is the first Mac1-targeted small molecule demonstrated to inhibit coronavirus replication in a cell model.

HIV-1 uncoating requires long double-stranded reverse transcription products.

HIV-1 cores, which contain the viral genome and replication machinery, must disassemble (uncoat) during viral replication. However, the viral and host factors that trigger uncoating remain unidentified. Recent studies show that infectious cores enter the nucleus and uncoat near the site of integration. Here, we show that efficient uncoating of nuclear cores requires synthesis of a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome >3.5 kb and that the efficiency of uncoating correlates with genome size. Core disruption by capsid inhibitors releases viral DNA, some of which integrates. However, most of the viral DNA is degraded, indicating that the intact core safeguards viral DNA. Atomic force microscopy and core content estimation reveal that synthesis of full-length genomic dsDNA induces substantial internal strain on the core to promote uncoating. We conclude that HIV-1 cores protect viral DNA from degradation by host factors and that synthesis of long double-stranded reverse transcription products is required to trigger efficient HIV-1 uncoating.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus via selective apoptosis modulation by Chinese patent medicine Liuweiwuling Tablet.

BACKGROUND: Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a Chinese patent medicine approved for the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previous studies have indicated an anti-HBV effect of LWWL, specifically in terms of antigen inhibition, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM: To investigate the potential mechanism of action of LWWL against HBV. METHODS: In vitro experiments utilized three HBV-replicating and three non-HBV-replicating cell lines. The in vivo experiment involved a hydrodynamic injection-mediated mouse model with HBV replication. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of LWWL. RESULTS: In HepG2.1403F cells, LWWL (0.8 mg/mL) exhibited inhibitory effects on HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) at rates of 51.36%, 24.74% and 50.74%, respectively. The inhibition rates of LWWL (0.8 mg/mL) on pgRNA/covalently closed circular DNA in HepG2.1403F, HepG2.2.15 and HepG2.A64 cells were 47.78%, 39.51% and 46.74%, respectively. Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that the anti-HBV effect of LWWL was primarily linked to pathways related to apoptosis (PI3K-AKT, CASP8-CASP3 and P53 pathways). Apoptosis flow analysis revealed that the apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group was significantly higher than in the control group (CG) among HBV-replicating cell lines, including HepG2.2.15 (2.92% ± 1.01% vs 6.68% ± 2.04%, P < 0.05), HepG2.A64 (4.89% ± 1.28% vs 8.52% ± 0.50%, P < 0.05) and HepG2.1403F (3.76% ± 1.40% vs 7.57% ± 1.35%, P < 0.05) (CG vs LWWL-treated group). However, there were no significant differences in apoptosis rates between the non-HBV-replicating HepG2 cells (5.04% ± 0.74% vs 5.51% ± 1.57%, P > 0.05), L02 cells (5.49% ± 0.80% vs 5.48% ± 1.01%, P > 0.05) and LX2 cells (6.29% ± 1.54% vs 6.29% ± 0.88%, P > 0.05). TUNEL staining revealed a significantly higher apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group than in the CG in the HBV-replicating mouse model, while no noticeable difference in apoptosis rates between the two groups was observed in the non-HBV-replicating mouse model. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest that LWWL exerts a potent inhibitory effect on wild-type and drug-resistant HBV, potentially involving selective regulation of apoptosis. These findings offer novel insights into the anti-HBV activities of LWWL and present a novel mechanism for the development of anti-HBV medications.

Dual action effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate against dengue virus infection and inflammation via NF-κB pathway suppression.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection can lead to severe outcomes through a virus-induced cytokine storm, resulting in vascular leakage and inflammation. An effective treatment strategy should target both virus replication and cytokine storm. This study identified Kaempferia galanga L. (KG) extract as exhibiting anti-DENV activity. The major bioactive compound, ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC), significantly reduced DENV-2 infection, virion production, and viral protein synthesis in HepG2 and A549 cells, with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 22.58 µM and 6.17 µM, and impressive selectivity indexes (SIs) of 32.40 and 173.44, respectively. EPMC demonstrated efficacy against all four DENV serotypes, targeting the replication phase of the virus life cycle. Importantly, EPMC reduced DENV-2-induced cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and chemokines (RANTES and IP-10), as confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses, indicating inhibition of NF-κB activation. EPMC's role in preventing excessive inflammatory responses suggests it as a potential candidate for dengue treatment. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) and drug-likeness for EPMC were predicted using SwissADME and ProTox II servers, showing good drug-like properties without toxicity. These findings highlight KG extract and EPMC as promising candidates for future anti-dengue therapeutics, offering a dual-action approach by inhibiting virus replication and mitigating inflammatory reactions.

Bacterial-derived sialidases inhibit porcine rotavirus OSU replication by interfering with the early steps of infection.

Rotavirus infections in suckling and weaning piglets cause severe dehydration and death, resulting in significant economic losses in the pig breeding industry. With the continuous emergence of porcine rotavirus (PoRV) variants and poor vaccine cross-protection among various genotypes, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies such as seeking effective antiviral products from nature, microbial metabolites and virus-host protein interaction. Sialidases play a crucial role in various physiopathological processes and offer a promising target for developing antivirus drugs. However, the effect of bacterial-derived sialidases on the infection of PoRVs remains largely unknown. Herein, we investigated the impact of bacterial-derived sialidases (sialidase Cp and Vc) on PoRV strain OSU(Group A) infection, using differentiated epithelial monkey kidney cells (MA104) as a model. Our results indicated that the pretreatment of MA104 with exogenous sialidases effectively suppressed PoRV OSU in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, even at a concentration of 0.01 µU/mL, sialidases significantly inhibited the virus (MOI = 0.01). Meanwhile, we found that sialidase Vc pretreatment sharply reduced the binding rate of PoRV OSU. Last, we demonstrated that PoRV OSU might recognize α-2,3-linked sialic acid as the primary attachment factor in MA104. Our findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of PoRV OSU infections, shedding lights on the development of alternative antivirus approaches based on bacteria-virus interaction.

Discovery of a potent inhibitor, D-132, targeting AsfvPolX, via protein-DNA complex-guided pharmacophore screening and in vitro molecular characterizations.

The heightened transmissibility and capacity of African swine fever virus (ASFV) induce fatal diseases in domestic pigs and wild boars, posing significant economic repercussions and global threats. Despite extensive research efforts, the development of potent vaccines or treatments for ASFV remains a persistent challenge. Recently, inhibiting the AsfvPolX, a key DNA repair enzyme, emerges as a feasible strategy to disrupt viral replication and control ASFV infections. In this study, a comprehensive approach involving pharmacophore-based inhibitor screening, coupled with biochemical and biophysical analyses, were implemented to identify, characterize, and validate potential inhibitors targeting AsfvPolX. The constructed pharmacophore model, Phar-PolX-S, demonstrated efficacy in identifying a potent inhibitor, D-132 (IC50 = 2.8 ± 0.2 µM), disrupting the formation of the AsfvPolX-DNA complex. Notably, D-132 exhibited strong binding to AsfvPolX (KD = 6.9 ± 2.2 µM) through a slow-on-fast-off binding mechanism. Employing molecular modeling, it was elucidated that D-132 predominantly binds in-between the palm and finger domains of AsfvPolX, with crucial residues (R42, N48, Q98, E100, F102, and F116) identified as hotspots for structure-based inhibitor optimization. Distinctively characterized by a 1,2,5,6-tetrathiocane with modifications at the 3 and 8 positions involving ethanesulfonates, D-132 holds considerable promise as a lead compound for the development of innovative agents to combat ASFV infections.

Retinoic Acid-Mediated Inhibition of Mouse Coronavirus Replication Is Dependent on IRF3 and CaMKK.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the shortfalls in our understanding of how to treat coronavirus infections. With almost 7 million case fatalities of COVID-19 globally, the catalog of FDA-approved antiviral therapeutics is limited compared to other medications, such as antibiotics. All-trans retinoic acid (RA), or activated vitamin A, has been studied as a potential therapeutic against coronavirus infection because of its antiviral properties. Due to its impact on different signaling pathways, RA's mechanism of action during coronavirus infection has not been thoroughly described. To determine RA's mechanism of action, we examined its effect against a mouse coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV). We demonstrated that RA significantly decreased viral titers in infected mouse L929 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The reduced viral titers were associated with a corresponding decrease in MHV nucleocapsid protein expression. Using interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) knockout RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that RA-induced suppression of MHV required IRF3 activity. RNA-seq analysis of wildtype and IRF3 knockout RAW cells showed that RA upregulated calcium/calmodulin (CaM) signaling proteins, such as CaM kinase kinase 1 (CaMKK1). When treated with a CaMKK inhibitor, RA was unable to upregulate IRF activation during MHV infection. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RA-induced protection against coronavirus infection depends on IRF3 and CaMKK.

Biomolecular Condensates as Novel Antiviral Targets.

Viral infections pose a significant health risk worldwide. There is a pressing need for more effective antiviral drugs to combat emerging novel viruses and the reemergence of previously controlled viruses. Biomolecular condensates are crucial for viral replication and are promising targets for novel antiviral therapies. Herein, we review the role of biomolecular condensates in the viral replication cycle and discuss novel strategies to leverage condensate biology for antiviral drug discovery. Biomolecular condensates may also provide an opportunity to develop antivirals that are broad-spectrum or less prone to acquired drug resistance.

A nanobody inhibiting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication via blocking self-interaction of viral nucleocapsid protein.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a serious global pig industry disease. Understanding the mechanism of viral replication and developing efficient antiviral strategies are necessary for combating with PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection. Recently, nanobody is considered to be a promising antiviral drug, especially for respiratory viruses. The present study evaluated two nanobodies against PRRSV nucleocapsid (N) protein (PRRSV-N-Nb1 and -Nb2) for their anti-PRRSV activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that intracellularly expressed PRRSV-N-Nb1 significantly inhibited PRRSV-2 replication in MARC-145 cells (approximately 100%). Then, the PRRSV-N-Nb1 fused with porcine IgG Fc (Nb1-pFc) as a delivering tag was produced and used to determine its effect on PRRSV-2 replication in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and pigs. The inhibition rate of Nb1-pFc against PRRSV-2 in PAMs could reach >90%, and it can also inhibit viral replication in vivo. Epitope mapping showed that the motif Serine 105 (S105) in PRRSV-2 N protein was the key amino acid binding to PRRSV-N-Nb1, which is also pivotal for the self-interaction of N protein via binding to Arginine 97. Moreover, viral particles were not successfully rescued when the S105 motif was mutated to Alanine (S105A). Attachment, entry, genome replication, release, docking model analysis, and blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the binding of PRRSV-N-Nb1 to N protein could block its self-binding, which prevents the viral replication of PRRSV. PRRSV-N-Nb1 may be a promising drug to counter PRRSV-2 infection. We also provided some new insights into the molecular basis of PRRSV N protein self-binding and assembly of viral particles.IMPORTANCEPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes serious economic losses to the swine industry worldwide, and there are no highly effective strategies for prevention. Nanobodies are considered a promising novel approach for treating diseases because of their ease of production and low costing. Here, we showed that PRRSV-N-Nb1 against PRRSV-N protein significantly inhibited PRRSV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the motif Serine 105 (S105) in PRRSV-N protein was the key amino acid to interact with PRRSV-N-Nb1 and bond to its motif R97, which is important for the self-binding of N protein. The PRRSV-N-Nb1 could block the self-interaction of N protein following viral assembly. These findings not only provide insights into the molecular basis of PRRSV N protein self-binding as a key factor for viral replication for the first time but also highlight a novel target for the development of anti-PRRSV replication drugs.

Linoleic acid: a natural feed compound against porcine epidemic diarrhea disease.

IMPORTANCE: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pig coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets, but as no effective drugs are available, this virus threatens the pig industry. Here, we found that the intestinal contents of specific pathogen-free pigs effectively blocked PEDV invasion. Through proteomic and metabolic analyses of the intestinal contents, we screened 10 metabolites to investigate their function and found that linoleic acid (LA) significantly inhibited PEDV replication. Further investigations revealed that LA inhibited viral replication and release mainly by binding with PEDV NSP5 to regulate the PI3K pathway and, in particular, inhibiting AKT phosphorylation. In vivo experiments illustrated that orally administered LA protected pigs from PEDV challenge and severe diarrhea. These findings provide strong support for exploring antiviral drugs for coronavirus treatment.

4-Octyl itaconate reduces influenza A replication by targeting the nuclear export protein CRM1.

IMPORTANCE: Itaconate derivates, as well as the naturally produced metabolite, have been proposed as antivirals against influenza virus. Here, the mechanism behind the antiviral effects of exogenous 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), a derivative of itaconate, against the influenza A virus replication is demonstrated. The data indicate that 4-OI targets the cysteine at position 528 of the CRM1 protein, resulting in inhibition of the nuclear export of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes in a similar manner as previously described for other selective inhibitors of nuclear export. These results postulate a mechanism not observed before for this immuno-metabolite derivative. This knowledge is helpful for the development of derivatives of 4-OI as potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Blocking of doublecortin-like kinase 1-regulated SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle restores cell signaling network.

IMPORTANCE: Severe COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae often afflict patients with underlying co-morbidities. There is a pressing need for highly effective treatment, particularly in light of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In a previous study, we demonstrated that DCLK1, a protein associated with cancer stem cells, is highly expressed in the lungs of COVID-19 patients and enhances viral production and hyperinflammatory responses. In this study, we report the pivotal role of DCLK1-regulated mechanisms in driving SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription processes and pathogenic signaling. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of DCLK1 kinase during SARS-CoV-2 effectively impedes these processes and counteracts virus-induced alternations in global cell signaling. These findings hold significant potential for immediate application in treating COVID-19.

AMPK inhibitor, compound C, inhibits coronavirus replication in vitro.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in more than six million deaths by October 2022. Vaccines and antivirals for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are now available; however, more effective antiviral drugs are required for effective treatment. Here, we report that a potent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, compound C/dorsomorphin, inhibits the replication of the human coronavirus OC43 strain (HCoV-OC43). We examined HCoV-OC43 replication in control and AMPK-knockout (KO) cells and found that the virus replication decreased in AMPK-KO cells. Next, we examined the effect of the AMPK inhibitor, compound C on coronavirus replication. Compound C treatment efficiently inhibited the replication and decreased the coronavirus-induced cytotoxicity, further inhibiting autophagy. In addition, treatment with compound C in combination with chloroquine synergistically inhibited coronavirus replication. These results suggest that compound C can be considered as a potential drug candidate for COVID-19.

DHA and EPA inhibit porcine coronavirus replication by alleviating ER stress.

IMPORTANCE: Porcine epidemic diarrhea caused by porcine coronaviruses remains a major threat to the global swine industry. Fatty acids are extensively involved in the whole life of the virus. In this study, we found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly reduced the viral load of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV) and acted on the replication of the viruses rather than attachment and entry. We further confirmed that DHA and EPA inhibited PEDV replication by alleviating the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Meanwhile, DHA and EPA alleviate PEDV-induced inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhance the cellular antioxidant capacity. These data indicate that DHA and EPA have antiviral effects on porcine coronaviruses and provide a molecular basis for the development of new fatty acid-based therapies to control porcine coronavirus infection and transmission.

Reversible and irreversible inhibitors of coronavirus Nsp15 endoribonuclease.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019, has resulted in the largest pandemic in recent history. Current therapeutic strategies to mitigate this disease have focused on the development of vaccines and on drugs that inhibit the viral 3CL protease or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymes. A less-explored and potentially complementary drug target is Nsp15, a uracil-specific RNA endonuclease that shields coronaviruses and other nidoviruses from mammalian innate immune defenses. Here, we perform a high-throughput screen of over 100,000 small molecules to identify Nsp15 inhibitors. We characterize the potency, mechanism, selectivity, and predicted binding mode of five lead compounds. We show that one of these, IPA-3, is an irreversible inhibitor that might act via covalent modification of Cys residues within Nsp15. Moreover, we demonstrate that three of these inhibitors (hexachlorophene, IPA-3, and CID5675221) block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication in cells at subtoxic doses. This study provides a pipeline for the identification of Nsp15 inhibitors and pinpoints lead compounds for further development against coronavirus disease 2019 and related coronavirus infections.

On a path toward a broad-spectrum anti-viral: inhibition of HIV-1 and coronavirus replication by SR kinase inhibitor harmine.

IMPORTANCE: This study highlights the crucial role RNA processing plays in regulating viral gene expression and replication. By targeting SR kinases, we identified harmine as a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 as well as coronavirus (HCoV-229E and multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants) replication. Harmine inhibits HIV-1 protein expression and reduces accumulation of HIV-1 RNAs in both cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells. Harmine also suppresses coronavirus replication post-viral entry by preferentially reducing coronavirus sub-genomic RNA accumulation. By focusing on host factors rather than viral targets, our study offers a novel approach to combating viral infections that is effective against a range of unrelated viruses. Moreover, at doses required to inhibit virus replication, harmine had limited toxicity and minimal effect on the host transcriptome. These findings support the viability of targeting host cellular processes as a means of developing broad-spectrum anti-virals.

A molnupiravir-associated mutational signature in global SARS-CoV-2 genomes.

Molnupiravir, an antiviral medication widely used against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), acts by inducing mutations in the virus genome during replication. Most random mutations are likely to be deleterious to the virus and many will be lethal; thus, molnupiravir-induced elevated mutation rates reduce viral load1,2. However, if some patients treated with molnupiravir do not fully clear the SARS-CoV-2 infections, there could be the potential for onward transmission of molnupiravir-mutated viruses. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 sequencing databases contain extensive evidence of molnupiravir mutagenesis. Using a systematic approach, we find that a specific class of long phylogenetic branches, distinguished by a high proportion of G-to-A and C-to-T mutations, are found almost exclusively in sequences from 2022, after the introduction of molnupiravir treatment, and in countries and age groups with widespread use of the drug. We identify a mutational spectrum, with preferred nucleotide contexts, from viruses in patients known to have been treated with molnupiravir and show that its signature matches that seen in these long branches, in some cases with onward transmission of molnupiravir-derived lineages. Finally, we analyse treatment records to confirm a direct association between these high G-to-A branches and the use of molnupiravir.

Molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 resistance to nirmatrelvir.

Nirmatrelvir is a specific antiviral drug that targets the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and has been approved to treat COVID-191,2. As an RNA virus characterized by high mutation rates, whether SARS-CoV-2 will develop resistance to nirmatrelvir is a question of concern. Our previous studies have shown that several mutational pathways confer resistance to nirmatrelvir, but some result in a loss of viral replicative fitness, which is then compensated for by additional alterations3. The molecular mechanisms for this observed resistance are unknown. Here we combined biochemical and structural methods to demonstrate that alterations at the substrate-binding pocket of Mpro can allow SARS-CoV-2 to develop resistance to nirmatrelvir in two distinct ways. Comprehensive studies of the structures of 14 Mpro mutants in complex with drugs or substrate revealed that alterations at the S1 and S4 subsites substantially decreased the level of inhibitor binding, whereas alterations at the S2 and S4' subsites unexpectedly increased protease activity. Both mechanisms contributed to nirmatrelvir resistance, with the latter compensating for the loss in enzymatic activity of the former, which in turn accounted for the restoration of viral replicative fitness, as observed previously3. Such a profile was also observed for ensitrelvir, another clinically relevant Mpro inhibitor. These results shed light on the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 evolves to develop resistance to the current generation of protease inhibitors and provide the basis for the design of next-generation Mpro inhibitors.

The hope and hype of ellagic acid and urolithins as ligands of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp5 and inhibitors of viral replication.

Non-structural protein 5 (Nsp5) is a cysteine protease that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 replication, suppressing host protein synthesis and promoting immune evasion. The investigation of natural products as a potential strategy for Nsp5 inhibition is gaining attention as a means of developing antiviral agents. In this work, we have investigated the physicochemical properties and structure-activity relationships of ellagic acid and its gut metabolites, urolithins A-D, as ligands of Nsp5. Results allow us to identify urolithin D as promising ligand of Nsp5, with a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range of potency. Although urolithin D is able to bind to the catalytic cleft of Nsp5, the appraisal of its viral replication inhibition against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 assay highlights a lack of activity. While these results are discussed in the framework of the available literature reporting conflicting data on polyphenol antiviral activity, they provide new clues for natural products as potential viral protease inhibitors.