scholarly journals ACE2-Targeting Monoclonal Antibody As A “Pan” Coronavirus Blocker In Vitro and In A Mouse Model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuning Chen ◽  
Yanan Zhang ◽  
Renhong Yan ◽  
Guifeng Wang ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractCoronaviruses have caused three major outbreaks of infectious disease since the beginning of 21st century. Broad-spectrum strategies that can be utilized in both current and future coronavirus outbreaks and mutation-tolerant are sought after. Here we report a monoclonal antibody 3E8 targeting human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) neutralized pseudo-typed coronaviruse SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2-D614G, SARS-CoV and HCoV-NL63, without affecting physiological activities of ACE2 or causing toxicity in mouse model. 3E8 also blocked live SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in a mouse model of COVID-19. Cryo-EM studies revealed the binding site of 3E8 on ACE2 and identified Histone 34 of ACE2 as a critical site of anti-viral epitope. Overall, our work has provided a potential “pan” coronavirus management strategy and disclosed a “pan” anti-coronavirus epitope on human ACE2 for the first time.SummaryBlocking Multiple Coronaviruses by An ACE2-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuning Chen ◽  
Ya-Nan Zhang ◽  
Renhong Yan ◽  
Guifeng Wang ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractThe evolution of coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, makes broad-spectrum coronavirus preventional or therapeutical strategies highly sought after. Here we report a human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-targeting monoclonal antibody, 3E8, blocked the S1-subunits and pseudo-typed virus constructs from multiple coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 mutant variants (SARS-CoV-2-D614G, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617.1, and P.1), SARS-CoV and HCoV-NL63, without markedly affecting the physiological activities of ACE2 or causing severe toxicity in ACE2 “knock-in” mice. 3E8 also blocked live SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in a prophylactic mouse model of COVID-19. Cryo-EM and “alanine walk” studies revealed the key binding residues on ACE2 interacting with the CDR3 domain of 3E8 heavy chain. Although full evaluation of safety in non-human primates is necessary before clinical development of 3E8, we provided a potentially potent and “broad-spectrum” management strategy against all coronaviruses that utilize ACE2 as entry receptors and disclosed an anti-coronavirus epitope on human ACE2.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-27
Author(s):  
Zahra Sharifinia ◽  
◽  
Samira Asadi ◽  
Mahyar Irani ◽  
Abdollah Allahverdi ◽  
...  

Objective: The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 domain of the SARS-CoV- 2 Spike protein performs a key role in the interaction with Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading to both subsequent S2 domain-mediated membrane fusion and incorporation of viral RNA in host cells. Methods: In this study, we investigated the inhibitor’s targeted compounds through existing human ACE2 drugs to use as a future viral invasion. 54 FDA approved drugs were selected to assess their binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor. The structurebased methods via computational ones have been used for virtual screening of the best drugs from the drug database. Key Findings: The ligands “Cinacalcet” and “Levomefolic acid” highaffinity scores can be a potential drug preventing Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 interaction. Levomefolic acid from vitamin B family was proved to be a potential drug as a spike protein inhibitor in previous clinical and computational studies. Besides that, in this study, the capability of Levomefolic acid to avoid ACE2 and Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 interaction is indicated. Therefore, it is worth to consider this drug for more in vitro investigations as ACE2 and Spike protein inhibition candidate. Conclusion: The two Cinacalcet and Levomefolic acid are the two ligands that have highest energy binding for human ACE2 blocking among 54 FDA approved drugs.


INDIAN DRUGS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (08) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Mohammed Oday Ezzat ◽  
Basma M. Abd Razik ◽  
Kutayba F. Dawood

The prevalence of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the last few months represents a serious threat as a world health emergency concern. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host cellular receptor for the respiratory syndrome of coronavirus epidemic in 2019 (2019-nCoV). In this work, the active site of ACE2 is successfully located by Sitmap prediction tool and validated by different marketed drugs. To design and discover new medical countermeasure drugs, we evaluate a total of 184 molecules of 7-chloro-N-methylquinolin-4-amine derivatives for binding affinity inside the crystal structure of ACE2 located active site. A novel series of N-substituted 2,5-bis[(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino]pentanoic acid derivatives is generated and evaluated for a prospect as a lead compound for (2019-nCoV) medication with a docking score range of (-10.60 to -8.99) kcal/mol for the highest twenty derivatives. Moreover, the ADME pharmaceutical properties were evaluated for further proposed experimental evaluation in vitro or in vivo


Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 742
Author(s):  
Bogusz Trojanowicz ◽  
Christof Ulrich ◽  
Matthias Girndt

Apelin peptides (APLN) serve as second substrates for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and, in contrast to angiotensin II (AngII), exert blood-pressure lowering and vasodilatation effects through binding to G-coupled APLN receptor (APLNR). ACE2-mediated cleavage of the APLN may reduce its vasodilatory effects, but decreased ACE2 may potentiate the hypotensive properties of APLN. The role of APLN in uremia is unclear. We investigated the correlations between serum-APLN, leucocytic APLNR, and ACE2 in 32 healthy controls (NP), 66 HD, and 24 CKD3–5 patients, and the impact of APLN peptides on monocytic behavior and ACE2 expression under uremic conditions in vitro. We observed that serum APLN and leucocytic APLNR or SLCO2B1 were significantly elevated in uremic patients and correlated with decreased ACE2 on uremic leucocytes. APLN-treated THP-1 monocytes revealed significantly increased APLNR and ACE2, and reduced TNFa, IL-6, and MCSF. Uremic toxins induced a dramatic increase of miR-421 followed by significant reduction of ACE2 transcripts, partially counteracted with APLN-13 and -36. APLN-36 triggered the most potent transmigration and reduction of endothelial adhesion. These results suggest that although APLN peptides may partly protect against the decay of monocytic ACE2 transcripts, uremic milieu is the most dominant modulator of local ACE2, and likely to contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (10) ◽  
pp. C945-C953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Grobe ◽  
Nathan M. Weir ◽  
Orly Leiva ◽  
Frank S. Ong ◽  
Kenneth E. Bernstein ◽  
...  

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 217 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Andreoni ◽  
Fabio Ugolini ◽  
Nadia Keller ◽  
Andrina Neff ◽  
Victor Nizet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) retains a very high mortality rate despite prompt and adequate antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement. Necrotizing fasciitis has recently been associated withStreptococcus dysgalactiae subspeciesequisimilis (SDSE). Methods We investigated the causes of a very severe clinical manifestation of SDSE-NF by assessing both host and pathogen factors. Results We found a lack of streptokinase-function blocking antibodies in the patient resulting in increased streptokinase-mediated fibrinolysis and bacterial spread. At the same time, the clinical SDSE isolate produced very high levels of streptokinase. Exogenous immunoglobulin Gs (ex-IgGs) efficiently blocked streptokinase-mediated fibrinolysis in vitro, indicating a protective role against the action of streptokinase. In vivo, SDSE infection severity was also attenuated by ex-IgGs in a NF mouse model. Conclusions These findings illustrate for the first time that the lack of specific antibodies against streptococcal virulence factors, such as streptokinase, may contribute to NF disease severity. This can be counteracted by ex-IgGs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 396-398
Author(s):  
Tugolbai Tagaev ◽  
Sagynali Mamatov ◽  
Farida Imanalieva ◽  
Vityala Yethindra ◽  
Altynai Zhumabekova ◽  
...  

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has previously been shown to inhibit coronavirus replication in vitro. But antiviral properties mechanisms are not well known, HCQ is a weak base that accumulates in lysosomes, modifies their pH, and interferes with some enzymes. In the lack of confirmed efficacy, the initial potential risk is not to expose patients to adverse effects. However, results from preliminary clinical studies have drawn inconclusive results regarding the efficacy of HCQ in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), due to several important weaknesses in research methodologies. Hypokalemia often occurs in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), possibly due to the particular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 with regard to Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The wide use of HCQ, even against medical advice, will show an impact on ongoing clinical trials. It is important that we can recruite COVID-19 patients in these research studies to generate appropriate data regarding drugs that show promising efficacy against COVID-19. Currently, only doctors should be allowed to prescribe HCQ, and treatment should be confined to hospital settings, with proper cardiac and therapeutic drug monitoring.


Author(s):  
D. I. Zybin ◽  
A. S. Seregin ◽  
A. D. Askretkov ◽  
N. V. Orlova ◽  
Yu. A. Seregin ◽  
...  

Objectives. Developing reliable and accurate analytical methods is necessary for comparative pharmaceutical analysis using physicochemical, biological (in vitro), preclinical, and clinical trials. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate an in vitro method for determining the specific activity of the recombinant monoclonal antibody eculizumab.Methods. The method of indirect enzyme immunoassay was used in the study.Results. A method for determining the specific activity of the humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody eculizumab was described and validated for the first time. A comparative evaluation of the specific activity of Soliris® (Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA), and its biosimilar PRK-001 (Pharmapark, Russia) was performed using the developed method.Conclusions. The similarity of PRK-001 and the original Soliris® in relation to their specific activity, that is, binding to the human complement system C5 protein, was proved. 


Author(s):  
Tianshu Xiao ◽  
Jianming Lu ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Rebecca I. Johnson ◽  
Lindsay G.A. McKay ◽  
...  

AbstractEffective intervention strategies are urgently needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a carboxypeptidase that forms a dimer and serves as the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2. It is also a key negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), conserved in mammals, which modulates vascular functions. We report here the properties of a trimeric ACE2 variant, created by a structure-based approach, with binding affinity of ~60 pM for the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, while preserving the wildtype peptidase activity as well as the ability to block activation of angiotensin II receptor type 1 in the RAS. Moreover, the engineered ACE2 potently inhibits infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. These results suggest that engineered, trimeric ACE2 may be a promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent for treating COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Curreli ◽  
Sofia M B Victor ◽  
Shahad Ahmed ◽  
Aleksandra Drelich ◽  
Xiaohe Tong ◽  
...  

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the primary receptor to enter host cells and initiate the infection. The critical binding region of ACE2 is a ∼30 aa long helix. Here we report the design of four stapled peptides based on the ACE2 helix, which is expected to bind to SARS-CoV-2 and prevent the binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor and disrupt the infection. All stapled peptides showed high helical contents (50-94% helicity). On the contrary, the linear control peptide NYBSP-C showed no helicity (19%). We have evaluated the peptides in a pseudovirus based single-cycle assay in HT1080/ACE2 and human lung cells A549/ACE2, overexpressing ACE2. Three of the four stapled peptides showed potent antiviral activity in HT1080/ACE2 (IC50: 1.9 – 4.1 µM) and A549/ACE2 cells (IC50: 2.2 – 2.8 µM). The linear peptides NYBSP-C and the double-stapled peptide StRIP16, used as controls, showed no antiviral activity. Most significantly, none of the stapled peptides show any cytotoxicity at the highest dose tested. We also evaluated the antiviral activity of the peptides by infecting Vero E6 cells with the replication-competent authentic SARS-CoV-2 (US_WA-1/2020). NYBSP-1 was the most efficient preventing the complete formation of cytopathic effects (CPEs) at an IC100 17.2 µM. NYBSP-2 and NYBSP-4 also prevented the formation of the virus-induced CPE with an IC100 of about 33 µM. We determined the proteolytic stability of one of the most active stapled peptides, NYBSP-4, in human plasma, which showed a half-life (T1/2) of >289 min.


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