scholarly journals Antidepressant Sertraline Is a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Enteroviruses Targeting Viral Entry through Neutralization of Endolysosomal Acidification

Viruses ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Kuan-Chi Tseng ◽  
Bang-Yan Hsu ◽  
Pin Ling ◽  
Wen-Wen Lu ◽  
Cheng-Wen Lin ◽  
...  

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an etiological agent of hand foot and mouth disease and can also cause neurological complications in young children. However, there are no approved drugs as of yet to treat EV71 infections. In this study, we conducted antiviral drug screening by using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library. We identified five drugs that showed dose-dependent inhibition of viral replication. Sertraline was further characterized because it exhibited the most potent antiviral activity with the highest selectivity index among the five hits. The antiviral activity of sertraline was noted for other EV serotypes. The drug’s antiviral effect is not likely associated with its approved indications as an antidepressant and its mode-of-action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The time-of-addition assay revealed that sertraline inhibited an EV71 infection at the entry stage. We also showed that sertraline partitioned into acidic compartments, such as endolysosomes, to neutralize the low pH levels. In agreement with the findings, the antiviral effect of sertraline could be greatly relieved by exposing virus-infected cells to extracellular low-pH culture media. Ultimately, we have identified a use for an FDA-approved antidepressant in broad-spectrum EV inhibition by blocking viral entry through the alkalization of the endolysosomal route.

Author(s):  
Kuan-Chi Tseng ◽  
Bang-Yan Hsu ◽  
Pin Ling ◽  
Wen-Wen Lu ◽  
Cheng-Wen Lin ◽  
...  

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an etiological agent of hand foot and mouth disease and can also cause neurological complications in young children. However, there are no approved drugs to treat EV71 infections. In this study, we conducted an antiviral drug screening by using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library. We identified five drugs that showed dose-dependent inhibition of viral replication. Sertraline was further characterized because it exhibited the most potent antiviral activity with the highest selectivity index among the five hits. The antiviral activity of sertraline was noted for other EV serotypes. The drug’s antiviral effect is not likely associated with its approved indications as an antidepressant and its mode-of-action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The time-of-addition assay revealed that sertraline inhibited an EV71 infection at the entry stage. We also showed that sertraline partitioned into acidic compartments, such as endolysosomes, to neutralize the low pH levels. In agreement with the findings, the antiviral effect of sertraline could be relieved greatly by exposing virus-infected cells to extracellular low-pH culture media. Together, we have identified an FDA-approved antidepressant with the new indication for the broad-spectrum EV inhibition by blocking viral entry through the alkalization of the endolysosomal route.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinran Zou ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
Jiaqi Gu ◽  
Li Shen ◽  
Lingxiang Mao

Abstract Background Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a highly infectious pathogen associated with hand, foot and mouth disease, herpangina, and various neurological complications, so it is important for the early detection and treatment of EV-A71. An aptamer is a nucleotide sequence that screened in vitro by the technology named systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology (SELEX). Similar to antibodies, aptamers can bind to the targets with high specificity and affinity. Besides, emerging aptamers have many advantages comparing with antibodies, such as ease of synthesis and modification, having a wide variety of target materials, low manufacturing cost and easy flexibility in amending. Therefore, aptamers are promising in virus detection and anti-virus therapy. Methods Aptamers were selected by SELEX. Specificity, affinity and second structure were used to characterize the selected aptamers. Chemiluminescence was adopted to build an aptamer-based detection method for EV-A71. Cytopathogenic effects trial, the level of intracellular EV-A71 RNA and protein expression were used to evaluate the antiviral effect of the selected aptamers. Results Three DNA aptamers with high specificity and affinity for EV-A71structual protein VP1 were screened out. A rapid chemiluminutesescence aptamer biosensor for EV-A71 detection was designed out. The selected aptamers could inhibit the RNA replication and protein expression of EV-A71 in RD cells and ameliorate the cytopathogenic effects. Conclusions The aptamers against EV-A71 have the potentiality to be applied as attractive candidates used for EV-A71 detection and treatment in the future.


2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (23) ◽  
pp. 12084-12095 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqiang Ku ◽  
Xiaohua Ye ◽  
Jinping Shi ◽  
Xiaoli Wang ◽  
Qingwei Liu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTAntibodies play a critical role in immunity against enterovirus 71 (EV71). However, how EV71-specific antibodies neutralize infections remains poorly understood. Here we report the working mechanism for a group of three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that potently neutralize EV71. We found that these three MAbs (termed D5, H7, and C4, respectively) recognize the same conserved neutralizing epitope within the VP1 GH loop of EV71. Single MAbs in this group, exemplified by D5, could inhibit EV71 infection in cell cultures at both the pre- and postattachment stages in a cell type-independent manner. Specifically, MAb treatment resulted in the blockade of multiple steps of EV71 entry, including virus attachment, internalization, and subsequent uncoating and RNA release. Furthermore, we show that the D5 and C4 antibodies can interfere with EV71 binding to its key receptors, including heparan sulfate, SCARB2, and PSGL-1, thus providing a possible explanation for the observed multi-inhibitory function of the MAbs. Collectively, our study unravels the mechanism of neutralization by a unique group of anti-EV71 MAbs targeting the conserved VP1 GH loop. The findings should enhance our understanding of MAb-mediated immunity against enterovirus infections and accelerate the development of MAb-based anti-EV71 therapeutic drugs.IMPORTANCEEnterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which has caused significant morbidities and mortalities in young children. Neither a vaccine nor an antiviral drug is available. Neutralizing antibodies are major protective components in EV71 immunity. Here, we unraveled an unusual mechanism of EV71 neutralization by a group of three neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). All of these MAbs bound the same conserved epitope located at the VP1 GH loop of EV71. Interestingly, mechanistic studies showed that single antibodies in this MAb group could block EV71 attachment and internalization during the viral entry process and interfere with EV71 binding to heparan sulfate, SCARB2, and PSGL-1 molecules, which are key receptors involved in different steps of EV71 entry. Our findings greatly enhance the understanding of the interplays among EV71, neutralizing antibodies, and host receptors, which in turn should facilitate the development of an MAb-based anti-EV71 therapy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Guo ◽  
Ruilin Zheng ◽  
Hua-lian Wu ◽  
Danyang Chen ◽  
Jingyao Su ◽  
...  

Abstract Enterovirus 71 (EV71) pose a critical threat in global public health and may lead to severe and even lethal cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). No effective antiviral agents are available to the masses for treatment of HFMD caused by EV71. Polysaccharide provides a good clinical application for antivirus. Polysaccharides extracted from Picochlorum sp. 122 (PPE) is a kind of seaweed Polysaccharides, the reports on its antiviral activity are limited. In this study, the antiviral activity was verified in Vero cells. Briefly, PPE has been demonstrated to restrain EV71 infection through MTT assay and cellular cytopathic effect. In addition, the decrease of the nucleic acid and protein levels of VP1 indicated PPE effectively inhibited the proliferation of EV71 in Vero cells. Furthermore, the annexinV-affinity assay suggested that PPE protected host cells from apoptosis. The mechanistic investigations revealed that PPE restrained EV71-induced host-cells apoptosis by AKT and ATM/ATR signaling pathways. In conclusion, these results demonstrate PPE is a hopeful antiviral drug for the infection of EV71.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1085
Author(s):  
Ichrak Ben-Amor ◽  
Maria Musarra-Pizzo ◽  
Antonella Smeriglio ◽  
Manuela D’Arrigo ◽  
Rosamaria Pennisi ◽  
...  

Owing to the richness of bioactive compounds, Olea europea leaf extracts exhibit a range of health effects. The present research evaluated the antibacterial and antiviral effect of leaf extracts obtained from Olea europea L. var. sativa (OESA) and Olea europea var. sylvestris (OESY) from Tunisia. LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis allowed the identification of different compounds that contributed to the observed biological properties. Both OESA and OESY were active against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC values between 7.81 and 15.61 μg/mL and between 15.61 and 31.25 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 for OESY and OESA, respectively). The antiviral activity against the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) was assessed on Vero cells. The results of cell viability indicated that Olea europea leaf extracts were not toxic to cultured Vero cells. The half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values for OESA and OESY were 0.2 mg/mL and 0.82 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, both a plaque reduction assay and viral entry assay were used to demonstrate the antiviral activity. In conclusion, Olea europea leaf extracts demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect, as well as remarkable antiviral activity, which could provide an alternative treatment against resistant strains.


2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 5357-5367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yizhuo Wang ◽  
Guiming Li ◽  
Shilin Yuan ◽  
Qianqian Gao ◽  
Ke Lan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTEnterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a major causative pathogen of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics. No antiviral therapies are currently available for treating EV-A71 infections. Here, we selected five reported enterovirus inhibitors (suramin, itraconazole [ITZ], GW5074, rupintrivir, and favipiravir) with different mechanisms of action to test their abilities to inhibit EV-A71 replication alone and in combination. All selected compounds have anti-EV-A71 activities in cell culture. The combination of rupintrivir and ITZ or favipiravir was synergistic, while the combination of rupintrivir and suramin was additive. The combination of suramin and favipiravir exerted a strong synergistic antiviral effect. The observed synergy was not due to cytotoxicity, as there was no significant increase in cytotoxicity when compounds were used in combinations at the tested doses. To investigate the potential inhibitory mechanism of favipiravir against enterovirus, two favipiravir-resistant EV-A71 variants were independently selected, and both of them carried an S121N mutation in the finger subdomain of the 3D polymerase. Reverse engineering of this 3D S121N mutation into an infectious clone of EV-A71 confirmed the resistant phenotype. Moreover, viruses resistant to ITZ or favipiravir remained susceptible to other inhibitors. Most notably, combined with ITZ, rupintrivir prevented the development of ITZ-resistant variants. Taken together, these results provide a rational basis for the design of combination regimens for use in the treatment of EV-A71 infections.


Viruses ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiaho Shih ◽  
Chun-Che Liao ◽  
Ya-Shu Chang ◽  
Szu-Yao Wu ◽  
Chih-Shin Chang ◽  
...  

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a global health threat. Children infected with EV71 could develop hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), encephalitis, paralysis, pulmonary edema, and death. At present, no effective treatment for EV71 is available. We reviewed here various mouse models for EV71 pathogenesis and therapy. Earlier studies relied on the use of mouse-adapted EV71 strains. To avoid artificial mutations arising de novo during the serial passages, recent studies used EV71 clinical isolates without adaptation. Several human receptors for EV71 were shown to facilitate viral entry in cell culture. However, in vivo infection with human SCARB2 receptor transgenic mice appeared to be more limited to certain strains and genotypes of EV71. Efficacy of oral infection in these transgenic models is extremely low. Intriguingly, despite the lack of human receptors, immunodeficient neonatal mouse models can still be infected with EV71 clinical isolates via oral or intraperitoneal routes. Crossbreeding between SCARB2 transgenic and stat1 knockout mice generated a more sensitive and user-friendly hybrid mouse model. Infected hybrid mice developed a higher incidence and earlier onset of CNS disease and death. Different pathogenesis profiles were observed in models deficient in various arms of innate or humoral immunity. These models are being actively used for antiviral research.


2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Ji ◽  
Changmai Chen ◽  
Yanan Hu ◽  
Zixuan Zhan ◽  
Wei Pan ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Jan Haviernik ◽  
Michal Stefanik ◽  
Martina Fojtikova ◽  
Sabrina Kali ◽  
Noël Tordo ◽  
...  

Arthropod-borne flaviviruses represent human pathogens of global medical importance, against which no effective small molecule-based antiviral therapy is currently available. Arbidol (umifenovir) is a broad spectrum antiviral compound approved in Russia and China for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. This compound showed activity against numerous DNA and RNA viruses. Its mode of action is based predominantly on the impairment of critical steps of virus-cell interaction. Here we demonstrate that arbidol possesses a micromolar inhibition activity (EC50 values ranging from 10.57 ± 0.74 to 19.16 ± 0.29 µM) in Vero cells infected with Zika virus, West Nile virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus, three medically important representatives of arthropod-borne flaviviruses. Interestingly, no antiviral effect of arbidol is observed in porcine stable kidney cells (PS), human neuroblastoma cells (UKF-NB-6), human hepatoma cells (Huh-7 cells) indicating that the antiviral effect of arbidol is strongly cell-type dependent. Arbidol presents a significant increasing in cytotoxicity profiles when tested in various cell lines in the order: Huh-7 < HBCA < PS < UKF-NB-6 < Vero with CC50 values ranging from 18.69 ± 0.1 to 89.72 ± 0.19 µM. Antiviral activity and acceptable cytotoxicity profiles suggest that arbidol could be a promising candidate for further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent in treating flaviviral infections.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 1558
Author(s):  
Ravi Sahota ◽  
Navpreet Kaur ◽  
Gurpal Singh ◽  
Nisha Upadhyay

Background: The hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute communicable disease, mostly affecting children under 5 years of age and caused by human enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16). The usual incubation period is 3 to 7 days. Early symptoms are likely to be fever often followed by a sore throat followed by loss of appetite and general malaise. Aim and objectives was to study the trend of hand foot and mouth disease in a private hospital in Uttarakhand over 5 successive years.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried among 297 cases of HFMD newborn screened at pediatrics department of Sahota Super-specialty hospital, Kashipur, Uttarakhand during year 2015 to 2019 after ethical clearance of institutional ethical committee. Diagnosis is coded with ICD-10. SPSS version 20 was used to calculate frequencies and percentiles.Results: Almost 29 cases of HMFD were picked in 2015, 32 cases in 2016, 43 cases in 2017, 81 cases in 2018, 112 in 2019. Fever observed in 86% cases. Neurological complications were observed in 9 (3%) cases, pneumonitis in 14 (4.7%) cases, cardiomyopathy observed in 3 (<1%) case. One death was reported.Conclusions: It is vital to screen patients with HFMD for these abnormal clinical presentations, allowing timely initiation of appropriate interventions to reduce the mortality. Increased awareness about vaccination in a developing nation like India and vaccination program at the grass root levels have eradicated certain lethal diseases.


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