scholarly journals The Potential of Algal Biotechnology to Produce Antiviral Compounds and Biopharmaceuticals

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 4049
Author(s):  
Sergio Rosales-Mendoza ◽  
Ileana García-Silva ◽  
Omar González-Ortega ◽  
José M. Sandoval-Vargas ◽  
Ashwini Malla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Algal Biotechnology ◽  
Valuable Source ◽  
Antiviral Compounds ◽  
Algae Biotechnology ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Functional Antibodies

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this scenario given the diversity of such organisms, which are a valuable source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can also be used to produce vaccines and antibodies. Antivirals with possible activity against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized, based on previously reported activity against Coronaviruses or other enveloped or respiratory viruses. Moreover, the potential of algae-derived anti-inflammatory compounds to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is contemplated. The scenario of producing biopharmaceuticals in recombinant algae is presented and the cases of algae-made vaccines targeting viral diseases is highlighted as valuable references for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Successful cases in the production of functional antibodies are described. Perspectives on how specific algae species and genetic engineering techniques can be applied for the production of anti-viral compounds antibodies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are provided.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Microalgae Antiviral Activity and Their Bioactive Compounds

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 746
Author(s):  
Dora Allegra Carbone ◽  
Paola Pellone ◽  
Carmine Lubritto ◽  
Claudia Ciniglia
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
High Biomass ◽  
Photosynthetic Organisms ◽  
Antiviral Compounds ◽  
Antiviral Effects ◽  
Bioactive Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Very High

During the last year, science has been focusing on the research of antivirally active compounds overall after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which caused a great amount of deaths and the downfall of the economy in 2020. Photosynthetic organisms such as microalgae are known to be a reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites; this feature, coupled with the possibility of achieving very high biomass levels without excessive energetic expenses, make microalgae worthy of attention in the search for new molecules with antiviral effects. In this work, the antiviral effects of microalgae against some common human or animal viruses were considered, focusing our attention on some possible effects against SARS-CoV-2. We summed up the data from the literature on microalgae antiviral compounds, from the most common ones, such as lectins, polysaccharides and photosynthetic pigments, to the less known ones, such as unidentified proteins. We have discussed the effects of a microalgae-based genetic engineering approach against some viral diseases. We have illustrated the potential antiviral benefits of a diet enriched in microalgae.

scholarly journals Antimalarial drugs—are they beneficial in rheumatic and viral diseases?—considerations in COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogna Grygiel-Górniak
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Cardiac Complications

AbstractThe majority of the medical fraternity is continuously involved in finding new therapeutic schemes, including antimalarial medications (AMDs), which can be useful in combating the 2019-nCoV: coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For many decades, AMDs have been widely used in the treatment of malaria and various other anti-inflammatory diseases, particularly to treat autoimmune disorders of the connective tissue. The review comprises in vitro and in vivo studies, original studies, clinical trials, and consensus reports for the analysis, which were available in medical databases (e.g., PubMed). This manuscript summarizes the current knowledge about chloroquine (CQ)/hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and shows the difference between their use, activity, recommendation, doses, and adverse effects on two groups of patients: those with rheumatic and viral diseases (including COVID-19). In the case of connective tissue disorders, AMDs are prescribed for a prolonged duration in small doses, and their effect is observed after few weeks, whereas in the case of viral infections, they are prescribed in larger doses for a short duration to achieve a quick saturation effect. In rheumatic diseases, AMDs are well tolerated, and their side effects are rare. However, in some viral diseases, the effect of AMDs is questionable or not so noticeable as suggested during the initial prognosis. They are mainly used as an additive therapy to antiviral drugs, but recent studies have shown that AMDs can diminish the efficacy of some antiviral drugs and may cause respiratory, kidney, liver, and cardiac complications.

scholarly journals CETSA MS Profiling for a Comparative Assessment of FDA-Approved Antivirals Repurposed for COVID-19 Therapy Identifies TRIP13 as a Remdesivir Off-Target

2020 ◽  
pp. 247255522097359
Author(s):  
Tomas Friman ◽  
Alexey Chernobrovkin ◽  
Daniel Martinez Molina ◽  
Laurence Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Target Engagement ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Antiviral Compounds ◽  
Binding Partners ◽  
Cellular Thermal Shift Assay ◽  
Target Effects

The reuse of preexisting small molecules for a novel emerging disease threat is a rapid measure to discover unknown applications for previously validated therapies. A pertinent and recent example where such a strategy could be employed is in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therapies designed or discovered to target viral proteins also have off-target effects on the host proteome when employed in a complex physiological environment. This study aims to assess these host cell targets for a panel of FDA-approved antiviral compounds including remdesivir, using the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) coupled with mass spectrometry (CETSA MS) in noninfected cells. CETSA MS is a powerful method to delineate direct and indirect interactions between small molecules and protein targets in intact cells. Biologically active compounds can induce changes in thermal stability, in their primary binding partners, and in proteins that in turn interact with the direct targets. Such engagement of host targets by antiviral drugs may contribute to the clinical effect against the virus but can also constitute a liability. We present here a comparative study of CETSA molecular target engagement fingerprints of antiviral drugs to better understand the link between off-targets and efficacy.

GENETIC ENGINEERING TO IMPROVE RESISTANCE TO VIRAL DISEASES OF POULTRY: A MODEL FOR APPLICATION TO LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. B. CRITTENDEN ◽  
D. W. SALTER
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Dominant Gene ◽  
Productive Efficiency ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Envelope Gene ◽  
Endogenous Virus ◽  
Species Barrier ◽  
Lymphoid Leukosis ◽  
Line Insertion

Several genetic engineering approaches can and will be used to control viral diseases in chickens. One approach is to insert genes for resistance in the germ line of the chicken. The endogenous avian leukosis virus (ALV) genes that segregate in the chicken serve as a natural model for germ line insertion and expression. One gene controls the expression of endogenous ALV envelope antigen. Chickens carrying that gene are resistant to infection with endogenous ALV. We propose, as a model, to insert the envelope gene of exogenous ALV, thus inserting a dominant gene for resistance to exogenous ALV. Our approach to germ line insertion in the chicken, including insertion methods, vectors and testing, is discussed. Genetic engineering approaches to animal breeding will only be useful as methods to enhance the efficacy of present breeding methods. Gene insertion can add new genetic variation by crossing the species barrier, and by introducing genes into highly productive lines one at a time. Molecular methods may also be useful for the introduction of chromosomal markers and to help identify major genes influencing phenotypes controlling productive efficiency. Key words: Germ line, vectors, retrovirus, chicken, endogenous virus, lymphoid leukosis

DO NSAIDS CAUSE SPECIFIC COMPLICATIONS IN COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 340-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Karateev ◽  
E. L. Nasonov ◽  
A. M. Lila
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Comorbid Diseases

Currently, there is no clear data indicating the risk of specific complications when using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in particular ibuprofen, for COVID-19 infection. There is also no clear clinical evidence that taking NSAIDs increases the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, when using NSAIDs in patients with acute respiratory viral diseases, keep in mind the possibility of class-specific complications from the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and kidneys. This risk is quite serious in elderly patients with multiple comorbid diseases. In addition, you should remember that taking NSAIDs and paracetamol can mask important symptoms of COVID-19 infection (in particular, fever) and lengthen the time for making a correct diagnosis.

scholarly journals Effects of Anticoagulants and Corticosteroids Therapy in Patients Affected by Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

2021 ◽  
pp. 460-479
Author(s):  
Khalid Ghalilah ◽  
Abdul Momin Sabir ◽  
Irshad Ali Alvi ◽  
Malak Alharbi ◽  
Abdulrahman Basabrain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Empirical Antibiotics

Background: In the absence of a standard of treatment for COVID-19, the combined use of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs may be more effective than using either modality alone in the treatment of COVID-19. Methods: Patients hospitalized between April 10th, 2020, through May 10th, 2020, who had confirmed COVID-19 infection with clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, in which 65 patients have moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, and 63 patients have severe COVID-19 pneumonia. All patients received early combination therapy of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs. They assessed for type and duration of treatment, and days need to wean from oxygen therapy, length of stay, virus clearance time, and complication or adverse events. All patients had more than 28 days follow up after discharge from the hospital. Results: Moderate COVID-19 pneumonia group were 65 patients who received Enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 50 (76.9%) and female patients were 15 (23.1%). 34 (52.3%) patients have comorbidity, 25 (38.5%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus and 2 (3.1%) pregnant ladies. 19 (29.2%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 3L oxygen or less to maintain oxygen saturation more than 92%. All patients discharged home with no major or minor bleeding complications or significant complications. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia group were 63 patients who received methylprednisolone, enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 55 (87.3%) and female patients were 8 (12.7%). 37 (58.7%) patients have comorbidity, and 24 (38.1%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus. 32 (50.8%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 4-9L oxygen, and 31 (49.2%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 10L oxygen or more, including 12 patients on a non-rebreathing mask. Patients received methylprednisolone were 37 (58.7%) for 3 days, 16 (25.4%) for 5 days and 10 (15.9%) for more than 5 days. Sixty-two patients discharged home with one patient had a long stay, and the other two transferred to ICU. One long-stay patient transferred to ICU on low flow oxygen therapy. Conclusion: Early use of a combined anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs treatment in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia prevent complications of the disease and improve clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Reinforcing the Supply Chain of Umifenovir and Other Antiviral Drugs with Retrosynthetic Software

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingfu Lin ◽  
Zirong Zhang ◽  
Babak Mahjour ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Multiple Drug ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract The global disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic stressed the supply chain of many products, including pharmaceuticals. Multiple drug repurposing studies for COVID-19 are now underway. If a winning therapeutic emerges, it is unlikely that the existing inventory of the medicine, or even the chemical raw materials needed to synthesize it, will be available in the quantities required. We used retrosynthetic software to arrive at alternate chemical supply chains for the antiviral drug umifenovir, as well as eleven other antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. We have experimentally validated four routes to umifenovir and one route to bromhexine. In several instances, the software utilizes C–H functionalization logic, and one route to umifenovir employs functionalization of six C–H bonds. The general strategy we apply can be used to identify distinct starting materials, and relieve stress on existing supply chains.

scholarly journals In silico and in vitro Demonstration of Homoharrintonine Antagonism of RBD-ACE2 Binding and its Anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic Properties in a 3D human vascular lung model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Saxena ◽  
Kranti Meher ◽  
Madhuri Rotella ◽  
Subhramanyam Vangala ◽  
Satish Chandran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Lung Model ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Since 2019 the world has seen severe onslaught of SARS-CoV-2 viral pandemic. There is an urgent need for drugs that can be used to either prevent or treat the potentially fatal disease COVD-19. To this end, we screened FDA approved antiviral drugs which could be repurposed for COVID-19 through molecular docking approach in the various active sites of receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a promising drug target due to its pivotal role in viral-host attachment. Specifically, we focussed on identifying antiviral drugs which could a) block the entry of virus into host cells, b) demonstrate anti-inflammatory and/or anti-thrombogenic properties. Drugs which poses both properties could be useful for prevention and treatment of the disease. While we prioritized a few antiviral drugs based on molecular docking, corroboration with in vitro studies including a new 3D human vascular lung model strongly supported the potential of Homoharringtonine, a drug approved for chronic myeloid leukaemia to be repurposed for COVID-19. This natural product drug not only antagonized the biding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD binding to human angiotensin receptor 2 (ACE-2) protein but also demonstrated for the first time anti-thrombogenic and anti-leukocyte adhesive properties in a human cell model system. Overall, this work provides an important lead for development of rapid treatment of COVID-19 and also establishes a screening paradigm using molecular modelling and 3D human vascular lung model of disease to identify drugs with multiple desirable properties for prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals A rapid phenomics workflow for the in vitro identification of antiviral drugs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonne Rietdijk ◽  
Marianna Tampere ◽  
Aleksandra Pettke ◽  
Polina Georgieva ◽  
Maris Lapins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Automated Image Analysis ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Lung Fibroblasts ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Antiviral Compounds ◽  
Infected Cells

AbstractMorphological profiling of cells in the presence of perturbants, also known as phenomics, is gaining momentum given its successful implementation for drug discovery and compound profiling. The current COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the search for new and fast methods to identify novel or repurposed therapeutic drugs. A popular method to identify antiviral drugs is the use of antibody-based immunofluorescence to visualise infected cells. However, this method lacks depth towards the effect of such drugs on the host cells. Here we present a phenomics workflow for untargeted phenotypic drug screening of virus infected cells, combining Cell Painting with antibody-based detection of viral infection in a single and simple method and provide a semi-automated image analysis pipeline for classification and feature extraction of virus infected cells. Our phenomics workflow provides valuable information about the effect of both virus and drugs on the host cells. We validated our method using a panel of 9 antiviral compounds including known and novel compounds on MRC5 human lung fibroblasts infected with Human coronavirus 229E (CoV-229E). Two of the compounds showed strong antiviral efficacy concomitant with a recovery of the morphological profile towards non-infected.

scholarly journals Effects of Anticoagulants and Corticosteroids therapy in patients affected by severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Ghalilah ◽  
Abdul Momin Sabir ◽  
Irshad Ali Alvi ◽  
Malak Alharbi ◽  
Abdulrahman Basabrain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Empirical Antibiotics

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of a standard of treatment for COVID-19, the combined use of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs may be more effective than using either modality alone in the treatment of COVID-19.MethodsPatients hospitalized between April 10th, 2020, through May 10th, 2020, who had confirmed COVID-19 infection with clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, in which 65 patients have moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, and 63 patients have severe COVID-19 pneumonia. All patients received early combination therapy of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs. They assessed for type and duration of treatment, and days need to wean from oxygen therapy, length of stay, virus clearance time, and complication or adverse events. All patients had more than 28 days follow up after discharge from the hospital.ResultsModerate COVID-19 pneumonia group were 65 patients who received Enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 50 (76.9 %) and female patients were 15 (23.1 %). 34 (52.3 %) patients have comorbidity, 25 (38.5%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus and 2 (3.1 %) pregnant ladies. 19 (29.2 %) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 3L oxygen or less to maintain oxygen saturation more than 92%. All patients discharged home with no major or minor bleeding complications or significant complications. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia group were 63 patients who received methylprednisolone, enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 55 (87.3 %) and female patients were 8 (12.7 %). 37 (58.7 %) patients have comorbidity, and 24 (38.1%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus. 32 (50.8 %) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 4-9L oxygen, and 31 (49.2 %) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 10L oxygen or more, including 12 patients on a non-rebreathing mask. Patients received methylprednisolone were 37 (58.7 %) for 3 days, 16 (25.4 %) for 5 days and 10 (15.9 %) for more than 5 days. Sixty-two patients discharged home with one patient had a long stay, and the other two transferred to ICU. One long-stay patient transferred to ICU on low flow oxygen therapy.ConclusionEarly use of a combined anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs treatment in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia prevent complications of the disease and improve clinical outcomes

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