scholarly journals A high-throughput screen for TMPRSS2 expression identifies FDA-approved compounds that can limit SARS-CoV-2 entry

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanwen Chen ◽  
Travis B. Lear ◽  
John W. Evankovich ◽  
Mads B. Larsen ◽  
Bo Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Lung Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Data ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Surface Receptor

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) is the pathogenic coronavirus responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. The Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 attaches to host lung epithelial cells through the cell surface receptor ACE2, a process dependent on host proteases including TMPRSS2. Here, we identify small molecules that reduce surface expression of TMPRSS2 using a library of 2,560 FDA-approved or current clinical trial compounds. We identify homoharringtonine and halofuginone as the most attractive agents, reducing endogenous TMPRSS2 expression at sub-micromolar concentrations. These effects appear to be mediated by a drug-induced alteration in TMPRSS2 protein stability. We further demonstrate that halofuginone modulates TMPRSS2 levels through proteasomal-mediated degradation that involves the E3 ubiquitin ligase component DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 1 (DCAF1). Finally, cells exposed to homoharringtonine and halofuginone, at concentrations of drug known to be achievable in human plasma, demonstrate marked resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection in both live and pseudoviral in vitro models. Given the safety and pharmacokinetic data already available for the compounds identified in our screen, these results should help expedite the rational design of human clinical trials designed to combat active COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals A high throughput screen for TMPRSS2 expression identifies FDA-approved and clinically advanced compounds that can limit SARS-CoV-2 entry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanwen Chen ◽  
Travis Lear ◽  
John Evankovich ◽  
Mads Larsen ◽  
Bo Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Lung Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Data ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Lung Epithelial ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
Marked Resistance

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) is the pathogenic coronavirus responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. The Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 attaches to host lung epithelial cells through the cell surface receptor ACE2, a process dependent on host proteases including TMPRSS2. Here, we identified small molecules that can reduce surface expression of TMPRSS2 using a 2,700 FDA-approved or current clinical trial compounds. Among these, homoharringtonine and halofuginone appear the most potent agents, reducing endogenous TMPRSS2 expression at sub-micromolar concentrations. These effects appear to be mediated by a drug-induced alteration in TMPRSS2 protein stability. We further demonstrate that halofuginone modulates TMPRSS2 levels through proteasomal-mediated degradation that involves the E3 ubiquitin ligase component DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 1 (DCAF1). Finally, cells exposed to homoharringtonine and halofuginone, at concentrations of drug known to be achievable in human plasma, demonstrated marked resistance to SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection. Given the safety and pharmacokinetic data already available for the compounds identified in our screen, these results should help expedite the rational design of human clinical trials designed to combat COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Controlled 5-FU Delivery Based on FZD10 Antibody-Conjugated Liposomes in Colorectal Cancer In vitro Models

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Maria Principia Scavo ◽  
Annalisa Cutrignelli ◽  
Nicoletta Depalo ◽  
Elisabetta Fanizza ◽  
Valentino Laquintana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Scratch Test ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Test Field ◽  
Selective Treatment ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
Electron Microscopes

The use of controlled delivery therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) reduces toxicity and side effects. Recently, we have suggested that the Frizzled 10 (FZD10) protein, a cell surface receptor belonging to the FZD protein family that is overexpressed in CRC cells, is a novel candidate for targeting and treatment of CRC. Here, the anticancer effect of novel immuno-liposomes loaded with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), decorated with an antibody against FZD10 (anti-FZD10/5-FU/LPs), was evaluated in vitro on two different CRC cell lines, namely metastatic CoLo-205 and nonmetastatic CaCo-2 cells, that were found to overexpress FZD10. The anti-FZD10/5-FU/LPs obtained were extensively characterized and their preclinical therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the MTS cell proliferation assay based on reduction of tetrazolium compound, scratch test, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FE-SEM) investigation and immunofluorescence analysis. The results highlighted that the cytotoxic activity of 5-FU was enhanced when encapsulated in the anti-FZD10 /5-FU/LPs at the lowest tested concentrations, as compared to the free 5-FU counterparts. The immuno-liposomes proposed herein possess a great potential for selective treatment of CRC because, in future clinical applications, they can be encapsulated in gastro-resistant capsules or suppositories for oral or rectal delivery, thereby successfully reaching the intestinal tract in a minimally invasive manner.

scholarly journals BRD2 inhibition blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro by reducing transcription of the host cell receptor ACE2

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruilin Tian ◽  
Avi J. Samelson ◽  
Veronica V. Rezelj ◽  
Merissa Chen ◽  
Gokul N. Ramadoss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Response ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Lung Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Interferon Response ◽  
Surface Receptor

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells is initiated by the binding of the viral Spike protein to its cell-surface receptor ACE2. We conducted an unbiased CRISPRi screen to uncover druggable pathways controlling Spike protein binding to human cells. We found that the protein BRD2 is an essential node in the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. BRD2 is required for ACE2 transcription in human lung epithelial cells and cardiomyocytes, and BRD2 inhibitors currently evaluated in clinical trials potently block endogenous ACE2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells. BRD2 also controls transcription of several other genes induced upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the interferon response, which in turn regulates ACE2 levels. It is possible that the previously reported interaction between the viral E protein and BRD2 evolved to manipulate the transcriptional host response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Together, our results pinpoint BRD2 as a potent and essential regulator of the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlight the potential of BRD2 as a novel therapeutic target for COVID-19.

scholarly journals A systematic review of in vitro models of drug induced kidney injury

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair R. Irvine ◽  
Damiën van Berlo ◽  
Rawan Shekani ◽  
Rosalinde Masereeuw
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Drug Induced

scholarly journals ABD-Derived Protein Blockers of Human IL-17 Receptor A as Non-IgG Alternatives for Modulation of IL-17-Dependent Pro-Inflammatory Axis

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Hlavničková ◽  
Milan Kuchař ◽  
Radim Osička ◽  
Lucie Vaňková ◽  
Hana Petroková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Interleukin 17 ◽  
Normal Human Skin ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Th 17 ◽  
Surface Receptor

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and its cognate receptor A (IL-17RA) play a crucial role in Th17 cells-mediated pro-inflammatory pathway and pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders including psoriasis. IL-17 is mainly produced by activated Th-17 helper cells upon stimulation by IL-23 and, via binding to its receptors, mediates IL-17-driven cell signaling in keratinocytes. Hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes belongs to major clinical manifestations in psoriasis. To modulate IL-17-mediated inflammatory cascade, we generated a unique collection of IL-17RA-targeting protein binders that prevent from binding of human IL-17A cytokine to its cell-surface receptor. To this goal, we used a highly complex combinatorial library derived from scaffold of albumin-binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G, and ribosome display selection, to yield a collection of ABD-derived high-affinity ligands of human IL-17RA, called ARS binders. From 67 analyzed ABD variants, 7 different sequence families were identified. Representatives of these groups competed with human IL-17A for binding to recombinant IL-17RA receptor as well as to IL-17RA-Immunoglobulin G chimera, as tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Five ARS variants bound to IL-17RA-expressing THP-1 cells and blocked binding of human IL-17 cytokine to the cell surface, as tested by flow cytometry. Three variants exhibited high-affinity binding with a nanomolar Kd value to human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, as measured using Ligand Tracer Green Line. Upon IL-17-stimulated activation, ARS variants inhibited secretion of Gro-α (CXCL1) by normal human skin fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, we identified a novel class of inhibitory ligands that might serve as immunosuppressive IL-17RA-targeted non-IgG protein antagonists.

scholarly journals A Targeted Catalytic Nanobody (T-CAN) with Asparaginolytic Activity

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5637
Author(s):  
Maristella Maggi ◽  
Greta Pessino ◽  
Isabella Guardamagna ◽  
Leonardo Lonati ◽  
Cristina Pulimeno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Single Domain Antibody ◽  
Antibody Drug Conjugate ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
New Type

E. coli L-asparaginase is an amidohydrolase (EC 3.5.1.1) which has been successfully used for the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for over 50 years. Despite its efficacy, its side effects, and especially its intrinsic immunogenicity, hamper its usage in a significant subset of cases, thus limiting therapeutic options. Innovative solutions to improve on these drawbacks have been attempted, but none of them have been truly successful so far. In this work, we fully replaced the enzyme scaffold, generating an active, miniaturized form of L-asparaginase by protein engineering of a camel single domain antibody, a class of antibodies known to have a limited immunogenicity in humans. We then targeted it onto tumor cells by an antibody scFv fragment directed onto the CD19 B-cell surface receptor expressed on ALL cells. We named this new type of nanobody-based antibody-drug conjugate “Targeted Catalytic Nanobody” (T-CAN). The new molecule retains the catalytic activity and the binding capability of the original modules and successfully targets CD19 expressing cells in vitro. Thanks to its theoretically reduced immunogenic potential compared to the original molecule, the T-CAN can represent a novel approach to tackle current limitations in L-asparaginase usage.

scholarly journals Defective delivery of iron to the developing red cell of the Belgrade laboratory rat

Blood ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Edwards ◽  
AL Sullivan ◽  
JE Hoke
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Rat Plasma ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Erythroid Cell ◽  
Recessive Trait ◽  
Laboratory Rat ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
Normal Rat ◽  
And Control

Erythroid cell iron and transferrin uptake and release was studied in the anemia of the Belgrade laboratory rat (gene symbol, b), an autosomal recessive trait characterized by hypochromia and hyperferrinemia. When reticulocyte-rich red cells were incubated in vitro with doubly (59Fe, 125I) labeled transferrin, b/b cells demonstrated a significantly higher uptake of transferrin (164% of control at 60 min), and a significantly lower uptake of iron (21% of control at 60 min) than control cells. These findings with b/b cells were simulated by sodium-fluoride-treated control cells, but not by trypsin-treated control cells. When reticulocytes exposed to doubly labeled transferrin were incubated in normal rat plasma, there was a substantial loss of 125I from both the b/b cells (mean 71%) and control cells (mean 49%), but only a loss of 59Fe from the b/b cells (mean 21%). These findings suggest a defect in the delivery of iron to the b/b reticulocyte, which is distal to the binding of transferrin to its cell surface receptor.

scholarly journals The role of Neuropilin-1 in COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e1009153
Author(s):  
Bindu S. Mayi ◽  
Jillian A. Leibowitz ◽  
Arden T. Woods ◽  
Katherine A. Ammon ◽  
Alphonse E. Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Function ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Axonal Guidance ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Neuropilin 1 ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a member of a family of signaling proteins, was shown to serve as an entry factor and potentiate SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity in vitro. This cell surface receptor with its disseminated expression is important in angiogenesis, tumor progression, viral entry, axonal guidance, and immune function. NRP-1 is implicated in several aspects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection including possible spread through the olfactory bulb and into the central nervous system and increased NRP-1 RNA expression in lungs of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Up-regulation of NRP-1 protein in diabetic kidney cells hint at its importance in a population at risk of severe COVID-19. Involvement of NRP-1 in immune function is compelling, given the role of an exaggerated immune response in disease severity and deaths due to COVID-19. NRP-1 has been suggested to be an immune checkpoint of T cell memory. It is unknown whether involvement and up-regulation of NRP-1 in COVID-19 may translate into disease outcome and long-term consequences, including possible immune dysfunction. It is prudent to further research NRP-1 and its possibility of serving as a therapeutic target in SARS-CoV-2 infections. We anticipate that widespread expression, abundance in the respiratory and olfactory epithelium, and the functionalities of NRP-1 factor into the multiple systemic effects of COVID-19 and challenges we face in management of disease and potential long-term sequelae.

scholarly journals Dectin-1-Mediated Production of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by Yeast β-Glucans in Bovine Monocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana R. V. Pedro ◽  
Tânia Lima ◽  
Ricardo Fróis-Martins ◽  
Bárbara Leal ◽  
Isabel C. Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Feed Supplements ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Yeast-derived products containing β-glucans have long been used as feed supplements in domesticated animals in an attempt to increase immunity. β-glucans are mainly recognized by the cell surface receptor CLEC7A, also designated Dectin-1. Although the immune mechanisms elicited through Dectin-1 activation have been studied in detail in mice and humans, they are poorly understood in other species. Here, we evaluated the response of bovine monocytes to soluble and particulate purified β-glucans, and also to Zymosan. Our results show that particulate, but not soluble β-glucans, can upregulate the surface expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on bovine monocytes. In addition, stimulated cells increased production of IL-8 and of TNF, IL1B, and IL6 mRNA expression, in a dose-dependent manner, which correlated positively with CLEC7A gene expression. Production of IL-8 and TNF expression decreased significantly after CLEC7A knockdown using two different pairs of siRNAs. Overall, we demonstrated here that bovine monocytes respond to particulate β-glucans, through Dectin-1, by increasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data support further studies in cattle on the induction of trained immunity using dietary β-glucans.

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