scholarly journals An ACE2 Triple Decoy that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 shows enhanced affinity for virus variants

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiho Tanaka ◽  
Gard Nelson ◽  
C. Anders Olson ◽  
Oleksandr Buzko ◽  
Wendy Higashide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Md Simulation ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
High Likelihood ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Sustained Efficacy

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-2 variants replacing the first wave strain pose an increased threat by their potential ability to escape pre-existing humoral protection. An angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) decoy that competes with endogenous ACE2 for binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (S RBD) and inhibits infection may offer a therapeutic option with sustained efficacy against variants. Here, we used Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation to predict ACE2 sequence substitutions that might increase its affinity for S RBD and screened candidate ACE2 decoys in vitro. The lead ACE2(T27Y/H34A)-IgG1FC fusion protein with enhanced S RBD affinity shows greater live SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization capability than wild type ACE2. MD simulation was used to predict the effects of S RBD variant mutations on decoy affinity that was then confirmed by testing of an ACE2 Triple Decoy that included an additional enzyme activity-deactivating H374N substitution against mutated S RBD. The ACE2 Triple Decoy maintains high affinity for mutated S RBD, displays enhanced affinity for S RBD N501Y or L452R, and has the highest affinity for S RBD with both E484K and N501Y mutations, making it a viable therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection with a high likelihood of efficacy against variants.

scholarly journals Identification of prolyl carboxypeptidase as an alternative enzyme for processing of renal angiotensin II using mass spectrometry

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (10) ◽  
pp. C945-C953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Grobe ◽  
Nathan M. Weir ◽  
Orly Leiva ◽  
Frank S. Ong ◽  
Kenneth E. Bernstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ph Control ◽  
Mass Spectrometric ◽  
Acidic Ph ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Genetic Mouse Models

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) catalyzes conversion of ANG II to ANG-(1–7). The present study uses newly established proteomic approaches and genetic mouse models to examine the contribution of alternative renal peptidases to ACE2-independent formation of ANG-(1–7). In situ and in vitro mass spectrometric characterization showed that substrate concentration and pH control renal ANG II processing. At pH ≥6, ANG-(1–7) formation was significantly reduced in ACE2 knockout (KO) mice. However, at pH <6, formation of ANG-(1–7) in ACE2 KO mice was similar to that in wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting alternative peptidases for renal ANG II processing. Furthermore, the dual prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP)-prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) inhibitor Z-prolyl-prolinal reduced ANG-(1–7) formation in ACE2 KO mice, while the ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 had no effect. Unlike the ACE2 KO mice, ANG-(1–7) formation from ANG II in PEP KO mice was not different from that in WT mice at any tested pH. However, at pH 5, this reaction was significantly reduced in kidneys and urine of PCP-depleted mice. In conclusion, results suggest that ACE2 metabolizes ANG II in the kidney at neutral and basic pH, while PCP catalyzes the same reaction at acidic pH. This is the first report demonstrating that renal ANG-(1–7) formation from ANG II is independent of ACE2. Elucidation of ACE2-independent ANG-(1–7) production pathways may have clinically important implications in patients with metabolic and renal disease.

scholarly journals S19W, T27W, and N330Y mutations in ACE2 enhance SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD binding toward both wild-type and antibody-resistant viruses and its molecular basis

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Ye ◽  
Xi Lin ◽  
Zimin Chen ◽  
Fanli Yang ◽  
Sheng Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Van Der Waals Interactions ◽  
Side Chains ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Domain Protein ◽  
Entry Inhibition

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 recognizes, via its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to initiate infection. Ecto-domain protein of ACE2 can therefore function as a decoy. Here we show that mutations of S19W, T27W, and N330Y in ACE2 could individually enhance SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD binding. Y330 could be synergistically combined with either W19 or W27, whereas W19 and W27 are mutually unbeneficial. The structures of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD bound to the ACE2 mutants reveal that the enhanced binding is mainly contributed by the van der Waals interactions mediated by the aromatic side-chains from W19, W27, and Y330. While Y330 and W19/W27 are distantly located and devoid of any steric interference, W19 and W27 are shown to orient their side-chains toward each other and to cause steric conflicts, explaining their incompatibility. Finally, using pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses, we demonstrate that these residue substitutions are associated with dramatically improved entry-inhibition efficacy toward both wild-type and antibody-resistant viruses. Taken together, our biochemical and structural data have delineated the basis for the elevated S-RBD binding associated with S19W, T27W, and N330Y mutations in ACE2, paving the way for potential application of these mutants in clinical treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Dalbavancin binds ACE2 to block its interaction with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and is effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models

Cell Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gan Wang ◽  
Meng-Li Yang ◽  
Zi-Lei Duan ◽  
Feng-Liang Liu ◽  
Lin Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Peptide Drug ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Plasma Half Life

AbstractInfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic worldwide. Currently, however, no effective drug or vaccine is available to treat or prevent the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we report our discovery of a promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidate, the lipoglycopeptide antibiotic dalbavancin, based on virtual screening of the FDA-approved peptide drug library combined with in vitro and in vivo functional antiviral assays. Our results showed that dalbavancin directly binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with high affinity, thereby blocking its interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Furthermore, dalbavancin effectively prevents SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells with an EC50 of ~12 nM. In both mouse and rhesus macaque models, viral replication and histopathological injuries caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection are significantly inhibited by dalbavancin administration. Given its high safety and long plasma half-life (8–10 days) shown in previous clinical trials, our data indicate that dalbavancin is a promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidate.

scholarly journals Engineering human ACE2 to optimize binding to the spike protein of SARS coronavirus 2

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6508) ◽  
pp. 1261-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kui K. Chan ◽  
Danielle Dorosky ◽  
Preeti Sharma ◽  
Shawn A. Abbasi ◽  
John M. Dye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Cells ◽  
Viral Escape ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Decoy Receptors ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Interaction Surface

The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells to initiate entry, and soluble ACE2 is a therapeutic candidate that neutralizes infection by acting as a decoy. By using deep mutagenesis, mutations in ACE2 that increase S binding are found across the interaction surface, in the asparagine 90–glycosylation motif and at buried sites. The mutational landscape provides a blueprint for understanding the specificity of the interaction between ACE2 and S and for engineering high-affinity decoy receptors. Combining mutations gives ACE2 variants with affinities that rival those of monoclonal antibodies. A stable dimeric variant shows potent SARS-CoV-2 and -1 neutralization in vitro. The engineered receptor is catalytically active, and its close similarity with the native receptor may limit the potential for viral escape.

scholarly journals A Bioluminescent Biosensor for Quantifying the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Receptor ACE2 in Cells and In Vitro

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1055
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Yang ◽  
Lidong Liu ◽  
Yawei Hao ◽  
Eva So ◽  
Sahar Sarmasti Emami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Cellular Receptor ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Discovery Process ◽  
Drug Discovery Process ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Host Interactions

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently spreading and mutating with increasing speed worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple, sensitive, and high-throughput (HTP) assay to quantify virus–host interactions in order to quickly evaluate the infectious ability of mutant viruses and to develop or validate virus-inhibiting drugs. Here, we developed an ultrasensitive bioluminescent biosensor to evaluate virus–cell interactions by quantifying the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and its cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) both in living cells and in vitro. We have successfully used this novel biosensor to analyze SARS-CoV-2 RBD mutants and evaluated candidate small molecules (SMs), antibodies, and peptides that may block RBD:ACE2 interaction. This simple, rapid, and HTP biosensor tool will significantly expedite the detection of viral mutants and the anti-COVID-19 drug discovery process.

scholarly journals A Drug Repurposing Approach for Antimalarials Interfering with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 954
Author(s):  
Paolo Coghi ◽  
Li Jun Yang ◽  
Jerome P. L. Ng ◽  
Richard K. Haynes ◽  
Maurizio Memo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

Host cell invasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mediated by the interaction of the viral spike protein (S) with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this work, computational and experimental techniques were combined to screen antimalarial compounds from different chemical classes, with the aim of identifying small molecules interfering with the RBD-ACE2 interaction and, consequently, with cell invasion. Docking studies showed that the compounds interfere with the same region of the RBD, but different interaction patterns were noted for ACE2. Virtual screening indicated pyronaridine as the most promising RBD and ACE2 ligand, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the predicted complex with the RBD. Bio-layer interferometry showed that artemisone and methylene blue have a strong binding affinity for RBD (KD = 0.363 and 0.226 μM). Pyronaridine also binds RBD and ACE2 in vitro (KD = 56.8 and 51.3 μM). Overall, these three compounds inhibit the binding of RBD to ACE2 in the μM range, supporting the in silico data.

scholarly journals An Ultrapotent Neutralizing Bispecific Antibody with Broad Spectrum Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Haohui Huang ◽  
Rong Li ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Zhiwei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Bispecific Antibody ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Bodyweight Loss ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Single Administration ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
High Affinity

Abstract Some variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are threatening our global efforts of herd immunity, novel and more efficacious agents are urgently needed. We have developed a bispecific antibody, 2022, which bonds with high affinity to two non-overlapping epitopes on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) simultaneously, blocks the binding of RBD to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and all of the variants tested, including variants carrying mutations known to resist neutralizing antibodies approved under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. In a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2, 2022 showed strong prophylactic and therapeutic effects. A single administration of 2022 completely protected all mice from bodyweight loss, as compared with up to 20% loss of bodyweight in placebo treated mice, reduced the lung viral titers to undetectable in all mice treated with 2022 either prophylactically or therapeutically, as compared with around 1X105 pfu/g lung tissue in placebo treated mice. In summary, bispecific antibody 2022 showed potent binding and neutralizing activity across a variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants and could be an attractive weapon to combat the ongoing waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A recombinant ‘ACE2 Triple Decoy’ that traps and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 shows enhanced affinity for highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiho Tanaka ◽  
Gard Nelson ◽  
Anders Olson ◽  
Oleksandr Buzko ◽  
Wendy Higashide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Double Mutant ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Live Virus ◽  
High Affinity

ABSTRACTThe highly-transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants now replacing the first wave strain pose an increased threat to human health by their ability, in some instances, to escape existing humoral protection conferred by previous infection, neutralizing antibodies, and possibly vaccination. Thus, other therapeutic options are necessary. One such therapeutic option that leverages SARS-CoV-2 initiation of infection by binding of its spike receptor binding domain (S RBD) to surface-expressed host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an ACE2 ‘decoy’ that would trap the virus by competitive binding and thus inhibit propagation of infection. Here, we used Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations to predict ACE2 mutations that might increase its affinity for S RBD and screened these candidates for binding affinity in vitro. A double mutant ACE2(T27Y/H34A)-IgG1FC fusion protein was found to have very high affinity for S RBD and to show greater neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 in a live virus assay as compared to wild type ACE2. We further modified the double mutant ACE2 decoy by addition of an H374N mutation to inhibit ACE2 enzymatic activity while maintaining high S RBD affinity. We then confirmed the potential efficacy of our ACE2(T27Y/H34A/H374N)-IgG1FC Triple Decoy against S RBD expressing variant-associated E484K, K417N, N501Y, and L452R mutations and found that our ACE2 Triple Decoy not only maintains its high affinity for S RBD expressing these mutations, but shows enhanced affinity for S RBD expressing the N501Y or L452R mutations and the highest affinity for S RBD expressing both the E484K and N501Y mutations. The ACE2 Triple Decoy also demonstrates the ability to compete with wild type ACE2 in the cPass™ surrogate virus neutralization in the presence of S RBD with these mutations. Additional MD simulation of ACE2 WT and decoy interactions with S RBD WT or B.1.351 variant sequence S RBD provides insight into the enhanced affinity of the ACE2 decoy for S RBD and reveals its potential as a tool to predict affinity and inform therapeutic design. The ACE2 Triple Decoy is now undergoing continued assessment, including expression by a human adenovirus serotype 5 (hAd5) construct to facilitate delivery in vivo.Summary sentenceAn ACE2(N27Y/H34A/H374N)-IgG1FC fusion protein decoy sustains high affinity to all SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) protein variants tested, shows enhanced affinity for the N501Y and L452R variants, and the highest affinity for combined N501Y and E484K variants.

scholarly journals An Ultrasensitive Biosensor for Quantifying the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Receptor ACE2 in Cells and in vitro

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Yang ◽  
Lidong Liu ◽  
Yawei Hao ◽  
Yee Wah So ◽  
Sahar Sarmasti Emami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Cellular Receptor ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Host Interaction

ABSTRACTThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently spreading and mutating with increasing speed worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple, sensitive, and high-throughput (HTP) assay to quantify virus-host interaction in order to quickly evaluate infectious ability of mutant virus and develop or validate virus-inhibiting drugs. Here we have developed an ultrasensitive bioluminescent biosensor to evaluate virus-cell interaction by quantifying the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and its cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) both in living cells and in vitro. We have successfully used this novel biosensor to analyze SARS-CoV-2 RBD mutants, and evaluated candidate small molecules (SMs), antibodies, and peptides that may block RBD:ACE2 interaction. This simple, rapid and HTP biosensor tool will significantly expedite detection of viral mutants and anti-COVID-19 drug discovery processes.

scholarly journals Soluble ACE2 as a potential therapy for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudarshan Krishnamurthy ◽  
Richard F Lockey ◽  
Narasaiah Kolliputi
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Cell Surfaces ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Decoy Receptors

Soluble angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) could be a therapeutic option to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) utilizes ACE2 receptors on cell surfaces to gain intracellular entry making them an ideal target for therapy. High-affinity variants of sACE2, engineered using high-throughput mutagenesis, are capable of neutralizing COVID-19 infection as decoy receptors. These variants compete with native ACE2 present on cells by binding with spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV2, making native ACE2 on cell surfaces available to convert angiotensin-II to angiotensin-1,7, thus alleviating the exaggerated inflammatory response associated with COVID-19 infection. This article explores the use of sACE2 as potential therapy for COVID-19 infection.

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