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Influenza Viruses: Harnessing the Crucial Role of the M2 Ion-Channel and Neuraminidase toward Inhibitor Design.

ABSTRACT: As a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses, influenza viruses (IVs) are known causative agents of respiratory infection in vertebrates. They remain a major global threat responsible for the most virulent diseases and global pandemics in humans. The virulence of IVs and the consequential high morbidity and mortality of IV infections are primarily attributed to the high mutation rates in the IVs' genome coupled with the numerous genomic segments, which give rise to antiviral resistant and vaccine evading strains. Current therapeutic options include vaccines and small molecule inhibitors, which therapeutically target various catalytic processes in IVs. However, the periodic emergence of new IV strains necessitates the continuous development of novel anti-influenza therapeutic options. The crux of this review highlights the recent studies on the biology of influenza viruses, focusing on the structure, function, and mechanism of action of the M2 channel and neuraminidase as therapeutic targets. We further provide an update on the development of new M2 channel and neuraminidase inhibitors as an alternative to existing anti-influenza therapy. We conclude by highlighting therapeutic strategies that could be explored further towards the design of novel anti-influenza inhibitors with the ability to inhibit resistant strains.

SUBMITTER: Mtambo SE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7916051 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Influenza Viruses: Harnessing the Crucial Role of the M2 Ion-Channel and Neuraminidase toward Inhibitor Design.

Mtambo Sphamadla E SE Amoako Daniel G DG Somboro Anou M AM Agoni Clement C Lawal Monsurat M MM Gumede Nelisiwe S NS Khan Rene B RB Kumalo Hezekiel M HM

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 20210207 4

As a member of the <i>Orthomyxoviridae</i> family of viruses, influenza viruses (IVs) are known causative agents of respiratory infection in vertebrates. They remain a major global threat responsible for the most virulent diseases and global pandemics in humans. The virulence of IVs and the consequential high morbidity and mortality of IV infections are primarily attributed to the high mutation rates in the IVs' genome coupled with the numerous genomic segments, which give rise to antiviral resi ...[more]

PMID: 33562349

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Project description:Currently, two neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, oseltamivir and zanamivir, which must be administrated twice daily for 5 days for maximum therapeutic effect, are licensed for the treatment of influenza. However, oseltamivir-resistant mutants of seasonal H1N1 and highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A viruses have emerged. Therefore, alternative antiviral agents are needed. Recently, a new neuraminidase inhibitor, R-125489, and its prodrug, CS-8958, have been developed. CS-8958 functions as a long-acting NA inhibitor in vivo (mice) and is efficacious against seasonal influenza strains following a single intranasal dose. Here, we tested the efficacy of this compound against H5N1 influenza viruses, which have spread across several continents and caused epidemics with high morbidity and mortality. We demonstrated that R-125489 interferes with the NA activity of H5N1 viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant and different clade strains. A single dose of CS-8958 (1,500 microg/kg) given to mice 2 h post-infection with H5N1 influenza viruses produced a higher survival rate than did continuous five-day administration of oseltamivir (50 mg/kg twice daily). Virus titers in lungs and brain were substantially lower in infected mice treated with a single dose of CS-8958 than in those treated with the five-day course of oseltamivir. CS-8958 was also highly efficacious against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus and oseltamivir-resistant variants. A single dose of CS-8958 given seven days prior to virus infection also protected mice against H5N1 virus lethal infection. To evaluate the improved efficacy of CS-8958 over oseltamivir, the binding stability of R-125489 to various subtypes of influenza virus was assessed and compared with that of other NA inhibitors. We found that R-125489 bound to NA more tightly than did any other NA inhibitor tested. Our results indicate that CS-8958 is highly effective for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection with H5N1 influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant mutants.

Project description:BackgroundA new type of influenza virus, known as type D, has recently been identified in cattle and pigs. Influenza D virus infection in cattle is typically asymptomatic; however, its infection in swine can result in clinical disease. Swine can also be infected with all other types of influenza viruses, namely A, B, and C. Consequently, swine can serve as a "mixing vessel" for highly pathogenic influenza viruses, including those with zoonotic potential. Currently, the only antiviral drug available targets influenza M2 protein ion channel is not completely effective. Thus, it is necessary to develop an M2 ion channel blocker capable of suppressing the induction of resistance to the genetic shift. To provide a basis for developing novel ion channel-blocking compounds, we investigated the properties of influenza D virus M2 protein (DM2) as a drug target.ResultsTo test the ion channel activity of DM2, the DNA corresponding to DM2 with cMyc-tag conjugated to its carboxyl end was cloned into the shuttle vector pNCB1. The mRNA of the DM2-cMyc gene was synthesized and injected into Xenopus oocytes. The translation products of DM2-cMyc mRNA were confirmed by immunofluorescence and mass spectrometry analyses. The DM2-cMyc mRNA-injected oocytes were subjected to the two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) method, and the induced inward current was observed. The midpoint (Vmid) values in Boltzmann modeling for oocytes injected with DM2-cMyc RNA or a buffer were -152 and -200 mV, respectively. Assuming the same expression level in the Xenopus oocytes, DM2 without tag and influenza C virus M2 protein (CM2) were subjected to the TEVC method. DM2 exhibited ion channel activity under the condition that CM2 ion channel activity was reproduced. The gating voltages represented by Vmid for CM2 and DM2 were -141 and -146 mV, respectively. The reversal potentials observed in ND96 for CM2 and DM2 were -21 and -22 mV, respectively. Compared with intact DM2, DM2 variants with mutation in the YxxxK motif, namely Y72A and K76A DM2, showed lower Vmid values while showing no change in reversal potential.ConclusionThe M2 protein from newly isolated influenza D virus showed ion channel activity similar to that of CM2. The gating voltage was shown to be affected by the YxxxK motif and by the hydrophobicity and bulkiness of the carboxyl end of the molecule.

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Influenza Viruses: Harnessing the Crucial Role of the M2 Ion-Channel and Neuraminidase toward Inhibitor Design.

Publications

Influenza Viruses: Harnessing the Crucial Role of the M2 Ion-Channel and Neuraminidase toward Inhibitor Design.

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