scholarly journals Resveratrol, Rapamycin and Metformin as Modulators of Antiviral Pathways

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1458
Author(s):  
Francesca Benedetti ◽  
Vincenzo Sorrenti ◽  
Alessandro Buriani ◽  
Stefano Fortinguerra ◽  
Giovanni Scapagnini ◽  
...  

Balanced nutrition and appropriate dietary interventions are fundamental in the prevention and management of viral infections. Additionally, accurate modulation of the inflammatory response is necessary to achieve an adequate antiviral immune response. Many studies, both in vitro with mammalian cells and in vivo with small animal models, have highlighted the antiviral properties of resveratrol, rapamycin and metformin. The current review outlines the mechanisms of action of these three important compounds on the cellular pathways involved with viral replication and the mechanisms of virus-related diseases, as well as the current status of their clinical use.

Author(s):  
Zachary Fralish ◽  
Ethan M. Lotz ◽  
Taylor Chavez ◽  
Alastair Khodabukus ◽  
Nenad Bursac

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 894-914
Author(s):  
Nan Sun ◽  
Li Jiang ◽  
Miaomiao Ye ◽  
Yihan Wang ◽  
Guangwen Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractTripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are important effectors of innate immunity against viral infections. Here we identified TRIM35 as a regulator of TRAF3 activation. Deficiency in or inhibition of TRIM35 suppressed the production of type I interferon (IFN) in response to viral infection. Trim35-deficient mice were more susceptible to influenza A virus (IAV) infection than were wild-type mice. TRIM35 promoted the RIG-I-mediated signaling by catalyzing Lys63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3 and the subsequent formation of a signaling complex with VISA and TBK1. IAV PB2 polymerase countered the innate antiviral immune response by impeding the Lys63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of TRAF3. TRIM35 mediated Lys48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of IAV PB2, thereby antagonizing its suppression of TRAF3 activation. Our in vitro and in vivo findings thus reveal novel roles of TRIM35, through catalyzing Lys63- or Lys48-linked polyubiquitination, in RIG-I antiviral immunity and mechanism of defense against IAV infection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
EA Monson ◽  
KM Crosse ◽  
M Duan ◽  
W Chen ◽  
RD O’Shea ◽  
...  

SummaryLipid droplets (LDs) are increasingly recognized as critical organelles in signalling events, transient protein sequestration and inter-organelle interactions. However, the role LDs play in antiviral innate immune pathways remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that induction of LDs occurs as early as 2 hours post viral infection, is transient, and returns to basal levels by 72 hours. This phenomenon occurred following viral infections, both in vitro and in vivo. Virally driven LD induction was type-I interferon (IFN) independent, however, was dependent on EGFR engagement, offering an alternate mechanism of LD induction in comparison to our traditional understanding of their biogenesis. Additionally, LD induction corresponded with enhanced cellular type-I and -III IFN production in infected cells, with enhanced LD accumulation decreasing viral replication of both HSV-1 and Zika virus (ZIKV). Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that LDs play vital roles in facilitating the magnitude of the early antiviral immune response specifically through the enhanced modulation of IFN following viral infection, and control of viral replication. By identifying LDs as a critical signalling organelle, this data represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms which coordinate an effective antiviral response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liubov A. Osminkina ◽  
Victor Yu. Timoshenko

AbstractPorous silicon (PSi) can activate (sensitize) biochemical reactions and physical processes of the energy dissipation under excitation (stimulus) by light illumination, ultrasound (US), and electromagnetic radiofrequency (RF) irradiation. Photosensitized biochemical effects of PSi layers and nanoparticles (NPs)were explored in numerous physical studies and biomedical experiments in vitro. The photothermal sensitizing with mesoporous PSi NPs was demonstrated to be efficient for the hyperthermia of cancer cells and tumors in small animal models. The sonosensitizing properties of bare PSi NPs and dextran-coated ones were revealed by both the physical studies and biomedical experiments, which indicated a good prospect for their applications in sonodynamic therapy of cancer. RF-induced hyperthermia sensitized by PSi NPs has been successfully used to destroy cancer cells and tumors in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Here, we review the results on the preparation, physical properties, and applications of PSi NPs as sensitizers for mild therapy of cancer.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1057
Author(s):  
Joel S. Greenberger ◽  
Amitava Mukherjee ◽  
Michael W. Epperly

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a dominant component of the antioxidant defense system in mammalian cells. Since ionizing irradiation induces profound oxidative stress, it was logical to test the effect of overexpression of MnSOD on radioresistance. This task was accomplished by introduction of a transgene for MnSOD into cells in vitro and into organs in vivo, and both paradigms showed clear radioresistance following overexpression. During the course of development and clinical application of using MnSOD as a radioprotector, several prominent observations were made by Larry Oberley, Joel Greenberger, and Michael Epperly which include (1) mitochondrial localization of either manganese superoxide dismutase or copper/zinc SOD was required to provide optimal radiation protection; (2) the time required for optimal expression was 12–18 h, and while acceptable for radiation protection, the time delay was impractical for radiation mitigation; (3) significant increases in intracellular elevation of MnSOD activity were required for effective radioprotection. Lessons learned during the development of MnSOD gene therapy have provided a strategy for delivery of small molecule SOD mimics, which are faster acting and have shown the potential for both radiation protection and mitigation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current status of using MnSOD-PL and SOD mimetics as radioprotectors and radiomitigators.


2007 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 1667-1676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Gubser ◽  
Rory Goodbody ◽  
Andrea Ecker ◽  
Gareth Brady ◽  
Luke A. J. O'Neill ◽  
...  

Camelpox virus (CMLV) gene 176R encodes a protein with sequence similarity to murine schlafen (m-slfn) proteins. In vivo, short and long members of the m-slfn family inhibited T-cell development, whereas in vitro, only short m-slfns caused arrest of fibroblast growth. CMLV 176 protein (v-slfn) is most closely related to short m-slfns; however, when expressed stably in mammalian cells, v-slfn did not inhibit cell growth. v-slfn is a predominantly cytoplasmic 57 kDa protein that is expressed throughout infection. Several other orthopoxviruses encode v-slfn proteins, but the v-slfn gene is fragmented in all sequenced variola virus and vaccinia virus (VACV) strains. Consistent with this, all 16 VACV strains tested do not express a v-slfn detected by polyclonal serum raised against the CMLV protein. In the absence of a small animal model to study CMLV pathogenesis, the contribution of CMLV v-slfn to orthopoxvirus virulence was studied via its expression in an attenuated strain of VACV. Recombinant viruses expressing wild-type v-slfn or v-slfn tagged at its C terminus with a haemagglutinin (HA) epitope were less virulent than control viruses. However, a virus expressing v-slfn tagged with the HA epitope at its N terminus had similar virulence to controls, implying that the N terminus has an important function. A greater recruitment of lymphocytes into infected lung tissue was observed in the presence of wild-type v-slfn but, interestingly, these cells were less activated. Thus, v-slfn is an orthopoxvirus virulence factor that affects the host immune response to infection.


1998 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 3812-3818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burkhard Ludewig ◽  
Stephan Ehl ◽  
Urs Karrer ◽  
Bernhard Odermatt ◽  
Hans Hengartner ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are essential for effective immunity to various viral infections. Because of the high speed of viral replication, control of viral infections imposes demanding functional and qualitative requirements on protective T-cell responses. Dendritic cells (DC) have been shown to efficiently acquire, transport, and present antigens to naive CTL in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we assessed the potential of DC, either pulsed with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-specific peptide GP33-41 or constitutively expressing the respective epitope, to induce LCMV-specific antiviral immunity in vivo. Comparing different application routes, we found that only 100 to 1,000 DC had to reach the spleen to achieve protective levels of CTL activation. The DC-induced antiviral immune response developed rapidly and was long lasting. Already at day 2 after a single intravenous immunization with high doses of DC (1 × 105 to 5 × 105), mice were fully protected against LCMV challenge infection, and direct ex vivo cytotoxicity was detectable at day 4 after DC immunization. At day 60, mice were still protected against LCMV challenge infection. Importantly, priming with DC also conferred protection against infections in which the homing of CTL into peripheral organs is essential: DC-immunized mice rapidly cleared an infection with recombinant vaccinia virus-LCMV from the ovaries and eliminated LCMV from the brain, thereby avoiding lethal choriomeningitis. A comparison of DC constitutively expressing the GP33-41 epitope with exogenously peptide-pulsed DC showed that in vivo CTL priming with peptide-loaded DC is not limited by turnover of peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I complexes. We conclude that the priming of antiviral CTL responses with DC is highly efficient, rapid, and long lasting. Therefore, the use of DC should be considered as an efficient means of immunization for antiviral vaccination strategies.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Choongho Lee

Different kinds of red algae are enriched with chemically diverse carbohydrates. In particular, a group of sulfated polysaccharides, which were isolated from the cell walls of red algae, gained a large amount of attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. Within that group, carrageenans (CGs) were expected to be the first clinically applicable microbicides that could prevent various viral infections due to their superior antiviral potency and desirable safety profiles in subclinical studies. However, their anticipated beneficial effects could not be validated in human studies. To assess the value of a second attempt at pharmacologically developing CGs as a new class of preventive microbicides, all preclinical and clinical development processes of CG-based microbicides need to be thoroughly re-evaluated. In this review, the in vitro toxicities; in vivo safety profiles; and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo antiviral activities of CGs are summarized according to the study volume of their target viruses, which include human immunodeficiency virus, herpesviruses, respiratory viruses, human papillomavirus, dengue virus, and other viruses along with a description of their antiviral modes of action and development of antiviral resistance. This evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of CGs will help provide future research directions that may lead to the successful development of CG-based antimicrobial prophylactics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (3) ◽  
pp. 522-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Nichol ◽  
Jill Callaghan ◽  
Robert Townsend ◽  
Ian Stockley ◽  
Paul V. Hatton ◽  
...  

Aims The aim of this study was to develop a single-layer hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating that is capable of a controlled antibiotic release for cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium orthopaedic prostheses. Methods Coatings containing gentamicin at a concentration of 1.25% weight/volume (wt/vol), similar to that found in commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cement, were prepared and tested in the laboratory for: kinetics of antibiotic release; activity against planktonic and biofilm bacterial cultures; biocompatibility with cultured mammalian cells; and physical bonding to the material (n = 3 in all tests). The sol-gel coatings and controls were then tested in vivo in a small animal healing model (four materials tested; n = 6 per material), and applied to the surface of commercially pure HA-coated titanium rods. Results The coating released gentamicin at > 10 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for sensitive staphylococcal strains within one hour thereby potentially giving effective prophylaxis for arthroplasty surgery, and showed > 99% elution of the antibiotic within the coating after 48 hours. There was total eradication of both planktonic bacteria and established bacterial biofilms of a panel of clinically relevant staphylococci. Mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the coated surfaces and differentiated towards osteoblasts, depositing calcium and expressing the bone marker protein, osteopontin. In the in vivo small animal bone healing model, the antibiotic sol-gel coated titanium (Ti)/HA rod led to osseointegration equivalent to that of the conventional HA-coated surface. Conclusion In this study we report a new sol-gel technology that can release gentamicin from a bioceramic-coated cementless arthroplasty material. In vitro, local gentamicin levels are in excess of what can be achieved by antibiotic-loaded bone cement. In vivo , bone healing in an animal model is not impaired. This, thus, represents a biomaterial modification that may have the potential to protect at-risk patients from implant-related deep infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):522–529.


2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Koo ◽  
P. W. Hamilton ◽  
K. Williamson

Non-invasive real time in vivo molecular imaging in small animal models has become the essential bridge between in vitro data and their translation into clinical applications. The tremendous development and technological progress, such as tumour modelling, monitoring of tumour growth and detection of metastasis, has facilitated translational drug development. This has added to our knowledge on carcinogenesis. The modalities that are commonly used include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence imaging and multi-modality imaging systems. The ability to obtain multiple images longitudinally provides reliable information whilst reducing animal numbers. As yet there is no one modality that is ideal for all experimental studies. This review outlines the instrumentation available together with corresponding applications reported in the literature with particular emphasis on cancer research. Advantages and limitations to current imaging technology are discussed and the issues concerning small animal care during imaging are highlighted.


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