RESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viral pneumonia is the leading cause of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite effective at early stage, long-term treatment with glucocorticoids can lead to a variety of adverse effects and limited benefits. The Chinese traditional herb Pogostemonis Herba is the aerial part of Pogostemon Cablin (Blanco) Benth., which has potent antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. It was used widely for treating various throat and respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, viral infection, cough, allergic asthma, acute lung injury and lung cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of chemical compounds from Pogostemonis Herba in SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2-overexpressing mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells and hACE2 transgenic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hACE2-overexpressing RAW264.7 cells were exposed with SARS-CoV-2. The cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay and cell apoptotic rate was by flow cytometric assay. The expressions of macrophage M1 phenotype markers (TNF-α and IL-6) and M2 markers (IL-10 and Arg-1) as well as the viral loads were detected by qPCR. The mice were inoculated intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant to induce viral pneumonia. The levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells in the lung tissues of infected mice were analyzed by full spectrum flow cytometry. The expressions of key proteins were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS: Diosmetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (DG) presented the strongest anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Intervention with DG at the concentrations of 0.625-2.5 µM not only reduced the viral replication, cell apoptosis, and the productions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in SARS-CoV-2-infected RAW264.7 cells, but also reversed macrophage polarity from M1 to M2 phenotype. Furthermore, treatment with DG (25-100 mg/kg) alleviated acute lung injury, and reduced macrophage infiltration in SARS-COV-2-infected mice. Mechanistically, DG inhibited SARS-COV-2 gene expression and HK3 translation via targeting YTHDF1, resulting in the inactivation of glycolysis-mediated NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: DG exerted the potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. It reduced pneumonia in SARS-COV-2-infected mice via inhibiting the viral replication and accelerating M2 macrophage polarization via targeting YTHDF1, indicating its potential for COVID-19 treatment.
Asunto(s)
Antivirales , Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Macrófagos , SARS-CoV-2 , Replicación Viral , Animales , Ratones , Células RAW 264.7 , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/virología , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , Antivirales/farmacología , Ratones Transgénicos , Pogostemon/química , Citocinas/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Pulmón/efectos de los fármacos , Pulmón/virología , Pulmón/patología , Glucósidos/farmacología , Glucósidos/aislamiento & purificación , Flavonoides/farmacología , Flavonoides/aislamiento & purificación , Flavonoides/uso terapéutico , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Masculino , Neumonía Viral/tratamiento farmacológico , Neumonía Viral/virología , HumanosRESUMEN
Despite the decrease in mortality and morbidity due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the incidence of infections due to Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 remains high. The mutations acquired by these subvariants, mainly concentrated in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), have caused a shift in infectivity and transmissibility, leading to a loss of effectiveness of the first authorized COVID-19 vaccines, among other reasons, by neutralizing antibody evasion. Hence, the generation of new vaccine candidates adapted to Omicron subvariants is of special interest in an effort to overcome this immune evasion. Here, an optimized COVID-19 vaccine candidate, termed MVA-S(3P_BA.1), was developed using a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing a full-length prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein from the Omicron BA.1 variant. The immunogenicity and efficacy induced by MVA-S(3P_BA.1) were evaluated in mice in a head-to-head comparison with the previously generated vaccine candidates MVA-S(3P) and MVA-S(3Pbeta), which express prefusion-stabilized S proteins from Wuhan strain and Beta variant, respectively, and with a bivalent vaccine candidate composed of a combination of MVA-S(3P) and MVA-S(3P_BA.1). The results showed that all four vaccine candidates elicited, after a single intramuscular dose, protection of transgenic K18-hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1, reducing viral loads, histopathological lesions, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs. They also elicited anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibodies against various Omicron subvariants, with MVA-S(3P_BA.1) and the bivalent vaccine candidate inducing higher titers. Additionally, an intranasal immunization in C57BL/6 mice with all four vaccine candidates induced systemic and mucosal S-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell and humoral immune responses, and the bivalent vaccine candidate induced broader immune responses, eliciting antibodies against the ancestral Wuhan strain and different Omicron subvariants. These results highlight the use of MVA as a potent and adaptable vaccine vector against new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as the promising feature of combining multivalent MVA vaccine candidates.
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Anticuerpos Antivirales , Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Inmunidad Celular , Inmunidad Humoral , Ratones Transgénicos , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Animales , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/prevención & control , COVID-19/inmunología , Ratones , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Humanos , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/sangre , Femenino , Vacunas de ADN/inmunología , Virus Vaccinia/inmunología , Virus Vaccinia/genética , Inmunogenicidad VacunalRESUMEN
Angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) are well-known for their roles in both blood pressure regulation via the renin-angiotensin system as well as functions in fertility, immunity, hematopoiesis, and many others. The two main isoforms of ACE include ACE and ACE-2 (ACE2). Both isoforms have similar structures and mediate numerous effects on the cardiovascular system. Most remarkably, ACE2 serves as an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the interaction between the virus and ACE2 is vital to combating the disease and preventing a similar pandemic in the future. Noninvasive imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography could noninvasively and quantitatively assess in vivo ACE2 expression levels. ACE2-targeted imaging can be used as a valuable tool to better understand the mechanism of the infection process and the potential roles of ACE2 in homeostasis and related diseases. Together, this information can aid in the identification of potential therapeutic drugs for infectious diseases, cancer, and many ACE2-related diseases. The present review summarized the state-of-the-art radiotracers for ACE2 imaging, including their chemical design, pharmacological properties, radiochemistry, as well as preclinical and human molecular imaging findings. We also discussed the advantages and limitations of the currently developed ACE2-specific radiotracers.
Asunto(s)
Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , COVID-19 , Imagen Molecular , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Imagen Molecular/métodos , COVID-19/metabolismo , COVID-19/diagnóstico por imagen , SARS-CoV-2/metabolismo , Radiofármacos/química , Radiofármacos/metabolismo , Animales , Tomografía de Emisión de Positrones/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada de Emisión de Fotón Único/métodosRESUMEN
In the ongoing battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective treatments remain critical challenges. The creation of animal models that closely replicate human infection stands as a critical step forward in this research. Here, we present a genetically engineered mouse model with specifically-humanized knock-in ACE2 (hiACE2) receptors. This model, featuring nine specific amino acid substitutions for enhanced interaction with the viral spike protein, enables efficient severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication in respiratory organs without detectable infection in the central nervous system. Moreover, it mirrors the age- and sex-specific patterns of morbidity and mortality, as well as the immunopathological features observed in human COVID-19 cases. Our findings further demonstrate that the depletion of eosinophils significantly reduces morbidity and mortality, depending on the infecting viral dose and the sex of the host. This reduction is potentially achieved by decreasing the pathogenic contribution of eosinophil-mediated inflammation, which is strongly correlated with neutrophil activity in human patients. This underscores the model's utility in studying the immunopathological aspects of COVID-19 and represents a significant advancement in COVID-19 modeling. It offers a valuable tool for testing vaccines and therapeutics, enhancing our understanding of the disease mechanisms and potentially guiding more targeted and effective treatments.
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , COVID-19 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Eosinófilos , SARS-CoV-2 , Animales , COVID-19/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Ratones , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidad , Eosinófilos/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , Factores Sexuales , Factores de Edad , Replicación Viral , Técnicas de Sustitución del GenRESUMEN
The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the adipose tissues of obese patients needs further study, as it may aid infection and serve as a viral reservoir. There has been controversy over whether to use ACE inhibitors to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Perindopril, an ACE2 inhibitor, has been proposed; however, its relationship with COVID-19 has not yet been clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of perindopril to reduce the expression of ACE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine in adipocytes exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Enzymatic isolation of adipose tissues was performed from obese male donor patients aged 30-50 years, then exposed it with SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein. This study also included human recombinant ACE2 (hrsACE2) as a comparison to perindopril. The expression of ACE2 was evaluated using ELISA. Our data indicated that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein exposure increased ACE2 expression significantly. Administration of perindopril decreased ACE2 expression (43.37 µg/mL) significantly compared to the positive group (80.31 µg/mL) (p<0.001). Perindopril administration also decreased IL-6 levels significantly compared to positive group (p<0.001). This study highlights that perindopril could reduce the ACE2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in adipocytes exposed to SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein.
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Adipocitos , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Inhibidores de la Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina , COVID-19 , Perindopril , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Humanos , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Masculino , Adipocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Adipocitos/metabolismo , Adipocitos/virología , Adulto , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/metabolismo , Perindopril/farmacología , Perindopril/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inhibidores de la Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina/farmacología , COVID-19/metabolismo , COVID-19/virología , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , Obesidad/metabolismo , Obesidad/tratamiento farmacológico , Citocinas/metabolismoRESUMEN
Obesity has emerged as a worldwide health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Adipocytes have the ability to express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2) and several adipocytokines. These expressions could lead to the activation of a cytokine storm, which in turn promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of perindopril and losartan exposure on the ACE2 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in adipocyte cells. This study used an in vivo true experimental design utilizing a post-test-only control group. A total of 24 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, one group served as the non-obese (negative control), while the other three groups were obese: (1) the positive control (untreated obese rats); (2) perindopril group (2 mg/kg BW/day orally for 4 weeks); and (3) losartan group (20 mg/kg BW/day for 4 weeks). Afterwards, the rats were euthanized, and the visceral fat tissue were obtained during dissection. The levels of ACE2 and IL-6 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Losartan administration in obese rats resulted in a notable elevation in ACE2 levels compared to both the perindopril group (losartan vs perindopril, p=0.011) and the positive control (p=0.004). In addition, the treatment of perindopril and losartan in obese rats resulted in a significant reduction in IL-6 levels when compared to the positive control (perindopril vs positive control, p=0.020; losartan vs positive control, p=0.002, respectively). This study provides insight into the administration of perindopril and losartan, which could suppress the pro-inflammatory (IL-6) but increase the ACE2 levels in adipose tissue.
Asunto(s)
Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Interleucina-6 , Losartán , Obesidad , Perindopril , Animales , Losartán/farmacología , Perindopril/farmacología , Perindopril/uso terapéutico , Obesidad/tratamiento farmacológico , Obesidad/metabolismo , Ratas , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Masculino , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Inhibidores de la Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina/farmacología , Adipocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Adipocitos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a significant number of infections and deaths worldwide, yet its pathogenesis and severity remain incompletely understood. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), play crucial roles as receptors and molecules responsible for the virus's entry into host cells, initiating the infection process. Their polymorphisms have been extensively studied in relation to COVID-19 severity. The aim of this study was to examine the association of ACE2 (rs2074192) and TMPRSS2 (rs12329760) polymorphisms with COVID-19 outcome and severity. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2022 at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. We randomly recruited hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19, confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The baseline demographic data, disease severity, underlying disease, comorbidities, and COVID-19 vaccination status were collected. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was assessed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, and the levels of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 proteins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 151 COVID-19 patients were recruited and there were significant associations between age and severity with mortality outcomes. The age, kidney and lung diseases, and vaccination status were associated with severity levels. The results showed the CC genotype of ACE2 had the highest proportion, followed by TT and CT genotypes among patients, while CT was the most prevalent genotype, followed by CC and TT for TMPRSS2. This study did not find a significant association between ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genetic variants with disease severity and outcome but highlighted a specific association of TMPRSS2 SNP with mortality within the group. In addition, ACE2 concentration was significant different between mild-moderate and severe-critical COVID-19 groups (p=0.033).
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , COVID-19 , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Serina Endopeptidasas , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Humanos , COVID-19/genética , COVID-19/mortalidad , COVID-19/epidemiología , Serina Endopeptidasas/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Prospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Indonesia/epidemiología , Adulto , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Anciano , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has highlighted the demand for vaccines that are safe and effective in inducing systemic and airway mucosal immunity against the aerosol transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we developed a novel helper-dependent adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 mucosal vaccine encoding a full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (HD-Ad-FS). Through intranasal immunization (single-dose and prime-boost regimens), we demonstrated that the HD-Ad-FS was immunogenic and elicited potent systemic and airway mucosal protection in BALB/c mice, transgenic ACE2 (hACE2) mice, and hamsters. We detected high titers of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in sera and bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) in the vaccinated animals. High levels of spike-specific secretory IgA (sIgA) and IgG were induced in the airway of the vaccinated animals. The single-dose HD-Ad-FS elicited a strong immune response and protected animals from SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, the prime-boost vaccination induced cross-reactive serum NAbs against variants of concern (VOCs; Beta, Delta, and Omicron). After challenge, VOC infectious viral particles were at undetectable or minimal levels in the lower airway. Our findings highlight the potential of airway delivery of HD-Ad-FS as a safe and effective vaccine platform for generating mucosal protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its VOCs.
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Administración Intranasal , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Inmunidad Mucosa , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Animales , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/administración & dosificación , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , COVID-19/prevención & control , COVID-19/inmunología , Ratones , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/sangre , Cricetinae , Femenino , Humanos , Ratones Transgénicos , Adenoviridae/genética , Adenoviridae/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , MesocricetusRESUMEN
The Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, especially for BA.2.86 and JN.1, have rapidly spread across multiple countries, posing a significant threat in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Distinguished by 34 additional mutations on the Spike (S) protein compared to its BA.2 predecessor, the implications of BA.2.86 and its evolved descendant, JN.1 with additional L455S mutation in receptor-binding domains (RBDs), are of paramount concern. In this work, we systematically examine the neutralization susceptibilities of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants and reveal the enhanced antibody evasion of BA.2.86 and JN.1. We also determine the cryo-EM structures of the trimeric S proteins from BA.2.86 and JN.1 in complex with the host receptor ACE2, respectively. The mutations within the RBDs of BA.2.86 and JN.1 induce a remodeling of the interaction network between the RBD and ACE2. The L455S mutation of JN.1 further induces a notable shift of the RBD-ACE2 interface, suggesting the notably reduced binding affinity of JN.1 than BA.2.86. An analysis of the broadly neutralizing antibodies possessing core neutralizing epitopes reveals the antibody evasion mechanism underlying the evolution of Omicron BA.2.86 subvariant. In general, we construct a landscape of evolution in virus-receptor of the circulating Omicron subvariants.
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , COVID-19 , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Evasión Inmune , Mutación , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/química , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/metabolismo , Humanos , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/química , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/química , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/química , Evolución Molecular , Unión Proteica , Modelos MolecularesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that perioperative anesthesia could have direct impacts on cancer cell biology. The present study investigated the effects of ropivacaine administration on lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS: Ropivacaine was administered to A549 cells at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 6 mM for 2 h. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was performed 6 h prior to ropivacaine administration. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed with cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and a wound healing assay at 0 and 24 h after anesthesia exposure. PCR arrays were performed, followed by PCR validation. RESULTS: Ropivacaine administration inhibited A549 cell proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner, with ACE2 upregulation and HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) downregulation. The anticancer effect of ropivacaine was canceled out via ACE2 siRNA transfection. PCR arrays showed specific gene change patterns in the ropivacaine and respective ACE2-knockdown groups. EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), BAX (Bcl-2-associated X protein) and BCL2 (B-cell/CLL lymphoma 2) were suppressed with ropivacaine administration; these effects were reversed via ACE2 siRNA induction. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine administration inhibited A549 cell biology in conjunction with ACE2 upregulation via the inhibition of the Wnt1 (wingless/Integrated 1) pathway.
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Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Movimiento Celular , Proliferación Celular , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Ropivacaína , Humanos , Ropivacaína/farmacología , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células A549 , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/patología , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/genética , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/tratamiento farmacológico , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Proteína Wnt1/metabolismo , Proteína Wnt1/genética , Regulación hacia Arriba/efectos de los fármacos , Vía de Señalización Wnt/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to pose significant global health challenges. The results demonstrated that GB-2 at 200 µg/mL effectively increased the population of 293T-ACE2 cells with low RBD binding for both SARS-CoV-2 Omicron EG.5.1 and HV.1 variants by dual-color flow cytometry, indicating its ability to inhibit virus attachment. Further investigation revealed that (+)-catechin at 25 and 50 µg/mL did not significantly alter the ACE2-RBD interaction for the EG.5.1 variant. In contrast, theaflavin showed inhibitory effects at both 25 and 50 µg/mL for EG.5.1, while only the higher concentration was effective for HV.1. Notably, theaflavin 3-gallate exhibited a potent inhibition of ACE2-RBD binding for both variants at both concentrations tested. Molecular docking studies provided insight into the binding mechanisms of theaflavin and theaflavin 3-gallate with the RBD of EG.5.1 and HV.1 variants. Both compounds showed favorable docking scores, with theaflavin 3-gallate demonstrating slightly lower scores (-8 kcal/mol) compared to theaflavin (-7 kcal/mol) for both variants. These results suggest stable interactions between the compounds and key residues in the RBD, potentially explaining their inhibitory effects on virus attachment. In conclusion, GB-2, theaflavin, and theaflavin 3-gallate demonstrate significant potential as inhibitors of the ACE2-RBD interaction in Omicron variants, highlighting their therapeutic promise against COVID-19. However, these findings are primarily based on computational and in vitro studies, necessitating further in vivo research and clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and safety in humans.
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Antivirales , Biflavonoides , Catequina , Unión Proteica , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Catequina/farmacología , Catequina/química , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/química , Humanos , Biflavonoides/farmacología , Biflavonoides/química , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , SARS-CoV-2/metabolismo , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/metabolismo , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/química , Antivirales/farmacología , Antivirales/química , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Células HEK293 , COVID-19/virología , Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , Acoplamiento Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Enterovirus Humano B/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Gálico/análogos & derivadosRESUMEN
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) presents pleiotropic actions. It hydrolyzes angiotensin I (AngI) and angiotensin II (AngII) into angiotensin-(1-9) (Ang-(1-9)) and angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), respectively, as well as participates in tryptophan uptake in the gut and in COVID-19 infection. Our aim was to investigate the metabolic effect of ACE2 deletion in young adults and elderly mice under conditions of high calorie intake. Male C57Bl/6 (WT) and ACE2-deficient (ACE2-/y) mice were analyzed at the age of 6 and 12 months under standard diet (StD) and high-fat diet (HFD). Under StD, ACE2-/y showed lower body weight and fat depots, improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, higher adiponectin, and lower leptin levels compared to WT. This difference was even more pronounced after HFD in 6-month-old mice, but, interestingly, it was blunted at the age of 12 months. ACE2-/y presented a decrease in adipocyte diameter and lipolysis, which reflected in the upregulation of lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue through the increased expression of genes involved in lipid regulation. Under HFD, both food intake and total energy expenditure were decreased in 6-month-old ACE2-/y mice, accompanied by an increase in liquid intake, compared to WT mice, fed either StD or HFD. Thus, ACE2-/y mice are less susceptible to HFD-induced obesity in an age-dependent manner, as well as represent an excellent animal model of human lipodystrophy and a tool to investigate new treatments.
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Obesidad , Animales , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Obesidad/metabolismo , Obesidad/etiología , Obesidad/genética , Obesidad/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Resistencia a la Insulina , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , COVID-19/metabolismo , COVID-19/genética , Leptina/metabolismo , Factores de Edad , Peso CorporalRESUMEN
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is considered a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor of high importance, but due to its non-ubiquitous expression, studies of other proteins that may participate in virus internalisation have been undertaken. To date, many alternative receptors have been discovered. Their functioning may provide an explanation for some of the events observed in severe COVID-19 that cannot be directly explained by the model in which ACE2 constitutes the central point of infection. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) can induce severe COVID-19 development. Although many mechanisms associated with ACE2 can lead to increased SARS-CoV-2 virulence in diabetes, proteins such as basigin (CD147), glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), transferrin receptor (TfR), integrins α5ß1/αvß3, or ACE2 co-receptors neuropilin 2 (NRP2), vimentin, and even syalilated gangliosides may also be responsible for worsening the COVID-19 course. On the other hand, some others may play protective roles. Understanding how diabetes-associated mechanisms can induce severe COVID-19 via modification of virus receptor functioning needs further extensive studies.
Asunto(s)
Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Chaperón BiP del Retículo Endoplásmico , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/metabolismo , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/complicaciones , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/metabolismo , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidad , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Chaperón BiP del Retículo Endoplásmico/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/virología , Internalización del Virus , Receptores Virales/metabolismoRESUMEN
This study aimed to investigate the impact of different types of nasal inflammation on the regulation of entry-associated genes of respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), and influenza virus, in the nasal epithelium. Subjects were classified into three groups: control, eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), and noneosinophilic CRS (NECRS) groups. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), alanyl aminopeptidase (ANPEP), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1), and beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 4 (ST3GAL4) were selected as key entry-associated genes for SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E, MERS-CoV, and influenza, respectively, and were evaluated. Brushing samples obtained from each group and human nasal epithelial cells cultured using an air-liquid interface system were treated for 7 days with typical inflammatory cytokines and analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy were performed. The entry-associated genes showed distinct regulation patterns in response to each interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Specifically, ACE2 significantly decreased in type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), while TMPRSS2 significantly decreased in type 1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ). ANPEP significantly decreased in both types of cytokines. Remarkably, DPP4 significantly increased in type 2 cytokines and decreased in type 1 cytokines. Moreover, ST6GAL1 and ST3GAL4 significantly increased in type 2 cytokines and decreased in type 1 cytokines, particularly IFN-γ. These findings were supported by western blot analysis and confocal imaging results, especially for ACE2 and DPP4. The findings regarding differential regulation suggest that patients with ECRS, primarily mediated by type 2 inflammation, may have lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E infections but higher susceptibility to MERS-CoV and influenza infections.
Asunto(s)
Citocinas , Mucosa Nasal , Internalización del Virus , Humanos , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Mucosa Nasal/virología , Adulto , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Sinusitis/virología , Sinusitis/genética , Sinusitis/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Rinitis/virología , Rinitis/genética , Rinitis/inmunología , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Serina Endopeptidasas/genética , Serina Endopeptidasas/metabolismo , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , Coronavirus Humano 229E/genética , Dipeptidil Peptidasa 4/genética , Dipeptidil Peptidasa 4/metabolismo , Coronavirus del Síndrome Respiratorio de Oriente Medio/genética , Coronavirus del Síndrome Respiratorio de Oriente Medio/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Electron microscopy paired with immunogold labeling is the most precise tool for protein localization. However, these methods are either cumbersome, resulting in small sample numbers and restricted quantification, or limited to identifying protein epitopes external to the membrane. Here, we introduce SUB-immunogold-SEM, a scanning electron microscopy technique that detects intracellular protein epitopes proximal to the membrane. We identify four critical sample preparation factors contributing to the method's sensitivity. We validate its efficacy through precise localization and high-powered quantification of cytoskeletal and transmembrane protein distribution. We evaluate the capabilities of SUB-immunogold-SEM on cells with highly differentiated apical surfaces: (i) auditory hair cells, revealing the presence of nanoscale MYO15A-L rings at the tip of stereocilia; and (ii) respiratory multiciliate cells, mapping the distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 along the motile cilia. SUB-immunogold-SEM extends the application of SEM-based nanoscale protein localization to the detection of intracellular epitopes on the exposed surfaces of any cell.
Asunto(s)
Cilios , Epítopos , Inmunohistoquímica , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Epítopos/inmunología , Epítopos/metabolismo , Animales , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo/métodos , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica/métodos , Cilios/metabolismo , Cilios/ultraestructura , Células Ciliadas Auditivas/metabolismo , Células Ciliadas Auditivas/ultraestructura , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/metabolismo , Miosinas/metabolismo , Estereocilios/metabolismo , Estereocilios/ultraestructura , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/inmunologíaRESUMEN
The recently dominant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 has evolved into multiple sublineages, with recurrent spike mutations R346T, F456L, and T572I, some of which exhibit growth advantages, such as KP.2 and KP.3. We investigated these mutations in JN.1, examining their individual and combined effects on immune evasion, ACE2 receptor affinity, and in vitro infectivity. F456L increased resistance to neutralization by human sera, including those after JN.1 breakthrough infections, and by RBD class-1 monoclonal antibodies, significantly altering JN.1 antigenicity. R346T enhanced ACE2-binding affinity and modestly boosted the infectivity of JN.1 pseudovirus, without a discernible effect on serum neutralization, while T572I slightly bolstered evasion of SD1-directed mAbs against JN.1's ancestor, BA.2, possibly by altering SD1 conformation. Importantly, expanding sublineages such as KP.2 containing R346T, F456L, and V1104L, showed similar neutralization resistance as JN.1 with R346T and F456L, suggesting V1104L does not appreciably affect antibody evasion. Furthermore, the hallmark mutation Q493E in KP.3 significantly reduced ACE2-binding affinity and viral infectivity, without noticeably impacting serum neutralization. Our findings illustrate how certain JN.1 mutations confer growth advantages in the population and could inform the design of the next COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Evasión Inmune , Mutación , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/química , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/inmunologíaRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of cannabidiol (CBD) against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD is the second most studied cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis plants. We investigated the potential use of CBD, which has so far proven to have a positive effect on different diseases, in the SARS-CoV-2 infection. To test this, in vivo studies were carried out using K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. To reveal the potential therapeutic effect of the CBD at the histopathological and molecular level challenge experiments were performed. The study was designed with two groups (n = 10) and in the treatment group animals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus strain B.1.1.7 alpha before the administration of CBD. While the disease progressed and resulted in death in the control group that was infected by the virus alone, it was observed that the infection slowed down and the survival rate increased in the mice treated with CBD along with the virus. In this study, K18-hACE2 transgenic mice infected with the wild SARS-CoV-2 virus were used to investigate and prove the antiviral activity of CBD.
Asunto(s)
Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Antivirales , Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Cannabidiol , SARS-CoV-2 , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Antivirales/farmacología , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Cannabidiol/farmacología , Cannabidiol/uso terapéutico , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Pulmón/virología , Pulmón/patología , Pulmón/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones Transgénicos , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , Carga Viral/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths and many times more infections worldwide, emphasizing the unpreparedness of the global health system in the face of new infections and the key role for vaccines and therapeutics, including virus-neutralizing antibodies, in prevention and containment of the disease. Continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been causing its new variants to evade the action of the immune system, which highlighted the importance of detailed knowledge of the epitopes of already selected potent virus-neutralizing antibodies. A single-chain antibody ("nanobody") targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), clone P2C5, had exhibited robust virus-neutralizing activity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants and, being a major component of the anti-COVID-19 formulation "GamCoviMab", had successfully passed Phase I of clinical trials. However, after the emergence of the Delta and XBB variants, a decrease in the neutralizing activity of this nanobody was observed. Here we report on the successful crystal structure determination of the RBD:P2C5 complex at 3.1 Å, which revealed the intricate protein-protein interface, sterically occluding full ACE2 receptor binding by the P2C5-neutralized RBD. Moreover, the structure revealed the developed RBD:P2C5 interface centered around residues Leu452 and Phe490, thereby explaining the evasion of the Delta or Omicron XBB, but not Omicron B.1.1.529 variant, as a result of the single L452R or F490S mutations, respectively, from the action of P2C5. The structure obtained is expected to foster nanobody engineering in order to rescue neutralization activity and will facilitate epitope mapping for other neutralizing nanobodies by competition assays.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , SARS-CoV-2 , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/inmunología , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/química , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/farmacología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/química , Humanos , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/química , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/metabolismo , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , Dominios Proteicos , Unión Proteica , Epítopos/inmunología , Epítopos/química , Modelos Moleculares , Evasión Inmune , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/química , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/inmunología , Sitios de UniónRESUMEN
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein binds the receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and drives virus-host membrane fusion through refolding of its S2 domain. Whereas the S1 domain contains high sequence variability, the S2 domain is conserved and is a promising pan-betacoronavirus vaccine target. We applied cryo-electron tomography to capture intermediates of S2 refolding and understand inhibition by antibodies to the S2 stem-helix. Subtomogram averaging revealed ACE2 dimers cross-linking spikes before transitioning into S2 intermediates, which were captured at various stages of refolding. Pan-betacoronavirus neutralizing antibodies targeting the S2 stem-helix bound to and inhibited refolding of spike prehairpin intermediates. Combined with molecular dynamics simulations, these structures elucidate the process of SARS-CoV-2 entry and reveal how pan-betacoronavirus S2-targeting antibodies neutralize infectivity by arresting prehairpin intermediates.
Asunto(s)
Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Dominios Proteicos , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/química , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/metabolismo , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/metabolismo , Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2/química , Humanos , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/química , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/química , Internalización del Virus , Replegamiento Proteico , Tomografía con Microscopio Electrónico , Multimerización de Proteína , Betacoronavirus/inmunología , Betacoronavirus/química , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/inmunología , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/química , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/metabolismoRESUMEN
Psoriasis is a chronic, proliferative, and inflammatory skin disease closely associated with inflammatory cytokine production. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an important proinflammatory factor; however, its role in psoriasis remains unclear. The present data indicate that CypA levels are increased in the lesion skin and serum of patients with psoriasis, which is positively correlated with the psoriasis area severity index. Furthermore, extracellular CypA (eCypA) triggered psoriasis-like inflammatory responses in keratinocytes. Moreover, anti-CypA mAb significantly reduced pathological injury, keratinocyte proliferation, cytokine expression in imiquimod-induced mice. Notably, the therapeutic effect of anti-CypA mAb was better than that of the clinically used anti-IL-17A mAb and methotrexate. Mechanistically, eCypA binds to ACE2 and CD147 and is blocked by anti-CypA mAb. eCypA not only induces the dimerization and phosphorylation of ACE2 to trigger the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway for cytokine expression but also interacts with CD147 to promote PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling-mediated keratinocyte proliferation. These findings demonstrate that the binding of eCypA to ACE2 and CD147 cooperatively triggers psoriasis-like inflammation and anti-CypA mAb is a promising candidate for the treatment of psoriasis.