scholarly journals Repurposing of Approved Drugs with Potential to Interact with SARS-CoV-2 Receptor

Author(s):  
Abu Sajib

Respiratory transmission is the primary route of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the known receptor of SARS-CoV-2 surface spike glycoprotein for entry into human cells. A recent study reported absent to low expression of ACE2 in a variety of human lung epithelial cell samples. Three bioprojects (PRJEB4337, PRJNA270632 and PRJNA280600) invariably found abundant expression of ACE1 (a homolog of ACE2 and also known as ACE) in human lungs compared to very low expression of ACE2. In fact, ACE1 has a wider and more abundant tissue distribution compared to ACE2. Although it is not obvious from the primary sequence alignment of ACE1 and ACE2, comparison of X-ray crystallographic structures show striking similarities in the regions of the peptidase domains (PD) of these proteins, which is known (for ACE2) to interact with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Critical amino acids in ACE2 that mediate interaction with the viral spike protein are present and organized in the same order in the PD of ACE1. In silico analysis predicts comparable interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with ACE1 and ACE2. In addition, this study predicts from a list of 1263 already approved drugs that may interact with ACE2 and/or ACE1, potentially interfere with the entry of SARS-CoV-2 inside the host cells and alleviate the symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Author(s):  
Abu Sajib

Background: Respiratory transmission is the primary route of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the known receptor of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein for entry into human cells. A recent study reported absent to low ACE2 promoter activity in a variety of human lung epithelial cell samples. Three bioprojects (PRJEB4337, PRJNA270632 and PRJNA280600) invariably found abundant expression of ACE in human lungs compared to very low expression of ACE2. Methods: In silico tools were applied to assess potential interaction of SARS-CoV-2 surface spike protein with human ACE as well as predict the drugs that may block SARS-CoV-2 interaction with host receptor. Results: Although it is not obvious from the primary sequence alignment of ACE2 and its homolog ACE (also known as ACE1), comparison of X-ray crystallographic structures show striking similarity in the regions of these proteins which is known (for ACE2) to interact with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Critical amino acids that mediate interaction with the viral spike protein in ACE2 are organized in the same order in ACE. In silico analyses predicts comparable interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with ACE2 and ACE. In addition, this study predicts and selects already approved drugs from a list of 1263, which may interfere with the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to ACE2 and/or ACE.


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.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1038
Author(s):  
Deborah Giordano ◽  
Luigi De Masi ◽  
Maria Antonia Argenio ◽  
Angelo Facchiano

An outbreak by a new severe acute respiratory syndrome betacoronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) all over the world. Immediately, following studies have confirmed the human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular receptor of viral Spike-Protein (Sp) that mediates the CoV-2 invasion into the pulmonary host cells. Here, we compared the molecular interactions of the viral Sp from previous SARS-CoV-1 of 2002 and SARS-CoV-2 with the host ACE2 protein by in silico analysis of the available experimental structures of Sp-ACE2 complexes. The K417 amino acid residue, located in the region of Sp Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, showed to have a key role for the binding to the ACE2 N-terminal region. The R426 residue of SARS-CoV-1 Sp-RBD also plays a key role, although by interacting with the central region of the ACE2 sequence. Therefore, our study evidenced peculiarities in the interactions of the two Sp-ACE2 complexes. Our outcomes were consistent with previously reported mutagenesis studies on SARS-CoV-1 and support the idea that a new and different RBD was acquired by SARS-CoV-2. These results have interesting implications and suggest further investigations.


Author(s):  
Elena Susana Barbieri ◽  
Tamara Rubilar ◽  
Ayelén Gázquez ◽  
Marisa Avaro ◽  
Erina Noé Seiler ◽  
...  

Several studies have been published regarding the interaction between the spike protein of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor in the host cells. In the presente work, we evaluated the in silico properties of two sea urchin pigments, Echinochrome A (EchA) and Spinochromes (SpinA) against the Spike protein (S) towards finding a potential therapeutic drug against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The best ensemble docking pose of EchaA and SpinA showed a binding affinity of -5.9 and -6.7 kcal mol-1, respectively. The linked aminoacids (T505, G496 and Y449 for EchA and Y449, Q493 and G496 for SpinA) are in positions involved in ACE2 binding in both RBDs frim SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 suggesting that EchA and SpinA may interact with Spike proteins drom both viruses. The results suggest that these pigments could act as inhibitors of S protein, pointing them as antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2.<br>


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-83
Author(s):  
Attapon Cheepsattayakorn ◽  
Ruangrong Cheepsattayakorn

Currently, animal-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has not yet been confirmed, whereas the main mode of transmission is human-to-human. Droplets are the main route of human-to-human transmission, whereas aerosols could be another route in addition to stool-based transmission. Currently, no evidence is available to indicate intrauterine vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in pregnant women. In the host, the life cycle of coronavirus consists of 5 steps: 1) attachment, 2) penetration, 3) biosynthesis, 4) maturation, and 5) release. Once viruses bind to host receptors (attachment), they enter host cells, particularly type II pneumocytes via endocytosis or membrane fusion (penetration). Once viral contents are released inside the host cells, viral RNA enters the host’s nucleus for replication and making viral proteins (biosynthesis). New viral particles are produced (maturation) and released. Spike protein of coronaviruses which determines the diversity of coronaviruses and host tropism is composed of a transmembrane trimetric glycoprotein protruding from the viral surface. Structural and functional studies demonstrated that the spike protein the of coronaviruses can bind to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a functional receptor for SARS-CoV. ACE2 expression is high in lung (high expression on lung epithelial cells), heart, ileum, and kidney. The lungs of severe COVID-19 patients demonstrate infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. Due to high ACE2 expression on the apical side of lung epithelial cells in the alveolar space, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) can enter and destroy lung epithelial cells. Significant ACE2 expression on innate lymphoid cells (ILC)2, ILC3, and endothelial cells is also demonstrated. Pulmonary endothelial cells represent one third of the lung cells. Endothelial function includes promotion of anti-aggregation, fibrinolysis, and vasodilatation. Due to a significant role playing in thrombotic regulation, hypercoagulable profiles that are demonstrated in severe COVID-19 patients likely suggest significant endothelial injury. Pulmonary thrombosis and embolism accompanying elevation of d-dimer and fibrinogen levels have been demonstrated in severe COVID-19. In conclusion, whether these histopathological lesions are direct consequences of sepsis, SARS-CoV-2 (C)OVID-19), and /or multiple organ failure is difficult to conclude. Further studies on understanding the roles of ILC1, ILC2, ILC3, including the difference in response to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection between children and adults are urgently needed to develop efficient targeted therapies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Susana Barbieri ◽  
Tamara Rubilar ◽  
Ayelén Gázquez ◽  
Marisa Avaro ◽  
Erina Noé Seiler ◽  
...  

Several studies have been published regarding the interaction between the spike protein of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor in the host cells. In the presente work, we evaluated the in silico properties of two sea urchin pigments, Echinochrome A (EchA) and Spinochromes (SpinA) against the Spike protein (S) towards finding a potential therapeutic drug against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The best ensemble docking pose of EchaA and SpinA showed a binding affinity of -5.9 and -6.7 kcal mol-1, respectively. The linked aminoacids (T505, G496 and Y449 for EchA and Y449, Q493 and G496 for SpinA) are in positions involved in ACE2 binding in both RBDs frim SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 suggesting that EchA and SpinA may interact with Spike proteins drom both viruses. The results suggest that these pigments could act as inhibitors of S protein, pointing them as antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2.<br>


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashi Srivastava ◽  
Shubham Tripathi ◽  
Sreepoorna Unni ◽  
Arif Hussain ◽  
Shafiul Haque ◽  
...  

Background: The main proteases (Mpro) and Spike Proteins (SP) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) play a major role in viral infection development by producing several non-structural proteins (nsPs) and penetrating the host cells respectively. In this study, the potential of in silico molecular docking-based drug repositioning approach was exploited for identifying the inhibitors of Mpro and SP of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A total of 196 compounds including various US-FDA-approved drugs, vitamins and their analogs were docked with Mpro (PDB IDs: 6YB7 and 6Y84), and the top six ligands were further tested for ADME properties followed by docking with SP (PDB IDs: 6LXT and 6W41). Results: Out of 196 compounds, binding energy (DE) of Silybin B (6YB7: DE: -11.20 kcal/mol; 6Y84: DE: -10.18 kcal/mol; 6LXT:DE: -10.47 kcal/mol; 6W41:DE: -10.96 kcal/mol) and Cianidanol (6YB7:DE: -8.85 kcal/mol; 6Y84:DE:-10.02 kcal/mol; 6LXT:DE:-9.36 kcal/mol; 6W41:DE: -9.52 kcal/mol) demonstrated better binding and ADME properties compared with the currently endeavored drugs like Hydroxychloroquine and Lopinavir. Additionally, Elliptinone, Diospyirin, SCHEMBL94263 and Fiboflavin have shown encouraging results. Fiboflavin, an immunity booster, was found to inhibit both the Mpro and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It was observed that amino acid residues MET6, ALA7, PHE8, PRO9, ASP295, GLY302, VAL303 and THR304 play significant roles in protein-ligand interactions through hydrogen bonds and Vander Waals forces. Conclusion: Silybin B and Cianidanol showed excellent binding and ADME properties compared with the currently endeavored drugs and can be exploited as therapeutic options against SARS-CoV-2 infection after experimental validation and clinical trials.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Chen ◽  
Jillian Rosenberg ◽  
Xiaolei Cai ◽  
Andy Chao Hsuan Lee ◽  
Jiuyun Shi ◽  
...  

SummarySARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through its viral spike protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the host cells. Here we show functionalized nanoparticles, termed “Nanotraps”, completely inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 of host cells. The liposomal-based Nanotrap surfaces were functionalized with either recombinant ACE2 proteins or anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and phagocytosis-specific phosphatidylserines. The Nanotraps effectively captured SARS-CoV-2 and completely blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection to ACE2-expressing human cell lines and primary lung cells; the phosphatidylserine triggered subsequent phagocytosis of the virus-bound, biodegradable Nanotraps by macrophages, leading to the clearance of pseudotyped and authentic virus in vitro. Furthermore, the Nanotraps demonstrated excellent biosafety profile in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the Nanotraps inhibited pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 infection in live human lungs in an ex vivo lung perfusion system. In summary, Nanotraps represent a new nanomedicine for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection.HighlightsNanotraps block interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and host ACE2 receptorsNanotraps trigger macrophages to engulf and clear virus without becoming infectedNanotraps showed excellent biosafety profiles in vitro and in vivoNanotraps blocked infection to living human lungs in ex vivo lung perfusion systemProgress and PotentialTo address the global challenge of creating treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection, we devised a nanomedicine termed “Nanotraps” that can completely capture and eliminate the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Nanotraps integrate protein engineering, immunology, and nanotechnology and are effective, biocompatible, safe, stable, feasible for mass production. The Nanotraps have the potential to be formulated into a nasal spray or inhaler for easy administration and direct delivery to the respiratory system, or as an oral or ocular liquid, or subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection to target different sites of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, thus offering flexibility in administration and treatment. More broadly, the highly versatile Nanotrap platform could be further developed into new vaccines and therapeutics against a broad range of diseases in infection, autoimmunity and cancer, by incorporating with different small molecule drugs, RNA, DNA, peptides, recombinant proteins, and antibodies.


Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Tazeen ◽  
Farah Deeba ◽  
Aftab Alam ◽  
Rafat Ali ◽  
Romana Ishrat ◽  
...  

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected around 13 million people and has caused more than 5.7 lakh deaths worldwide since December 2019. In the absence of FDA approved drug for its treatment, only symptomatic management is done. Methods: We attempted to uncover potential therapeutic targets of spike, helicase and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 employing computational approach. The PDB structure of spike and RdRp and predicted structure of helicase proteins were docked with 100 approved antiviral drugs, natural compounds and some other chemical compounds. Results: The anti-SARS ligands EK1 and CID_23631927, and NCGC00029283 are potential entry inhibitor as it showed affinity with immunogenic receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. This RBD interacts with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor facilitating the entry of virion in the host cells. The FDA approved drugs including Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Tipranavir, Setrobuvir, Indinavir and Atazanavir showed potential inhibitory activity against targeted domains and thus may act as entry or replication inhibitor or both. Furthermore, several anti-HCoV natural compounds including Amentoflavone, Rutin and Tannin are also potential entry and replication inhibitor as they showed affinity with RBD, Ploop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase and catalytic domain of the respective protein. Dithymoquinone showed significant inhibitory potential against the fusion peptide of S2 domain. Importantly, Tannin, Dithymoquinone and Rutin can be extracted from Nigella sativa seeds and thus may prove to be one of the most potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor. Conclusion: Several potential ligands were identified with already known anti-HCoVs activities. Furthermore, as our study showed that some of the ligands acted as both entry or replication inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, it is envisaged that a combination of either inhibitors with a dual mode of action would prove to be a much desired therapeutic option against this viral infection.


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