Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 25 in total

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  1. Vitamin D is a potential inhibitor of COVID-19: In silico molecular docking to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 endoribonuclease Nsp15
    Shalayel MH, Al-Mazaideh GM, Aladaileh SH, Al-Swailmi FK, Al-Thiabat MG
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Sep;33(5):2179-2186.
    PMID: 33824127
    Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic threat to public health. Vaccines and targeted therapeutics to prevent infections and stop virus proliferation are currently lacking. Endoribonuclease Nsp15 plays a vital role in the life cycle, including replication and transcription as well as virulence of the virus. Here, we investigated Vitamin D for its in silico potential inhibition of the binding sites of SARS-CoV-2 endoribonuclease Nsp15. In this study, we selected Remdesivir, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin D to study the potential binding affinity with the putative binding sites of endoribonuclease Nsp15 of COVID-19. The docking study was applied to rationalize the possible interactions of the target compounds with the active site of endoribonuclease Nsp 15. Among the results, Vitamin D was found to have the highest potency with strongest interaction in terms of LBE, lowest RMSD, and lowest inhibition intensity Ki than the other standard compounds. The investigation results of endoribonuclease Nsp15 on the PrankWeb server showed that there are three prospective binding sites with the ligands. The singularity of Vitamin D interaction with the three pockets, particularly in the second pocket, may write down Vitamin D as a potential inhibitor of COVID-19 Nsp15 endoribonuclease binding sites and favour addition of Vitamin D in the treatment plan for COVID-19 alone or in combination with the other used drugs in this purpose, which deserves exploration in further in vitro and in vivo studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  2. s8ORF2 protein of infectious salmon anaemia virus is a RNA-silencing suppressor and interacts with Salmon salar Mov10 (SsMov10) of the host RNAi machinery
    Thukral V, Varshney B, Ramly RB, Ponia SS, Mishra SK, Olsen CM, et al.
    Virus Genes, 2018 Apr;54(2):199-214.
    PMID: 29218433 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-017-1526-z
    The infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is a piscine virus, a member of Orthomyxoviridae family. It encodes at least 10 proteins from eight negative-strand RNA segments. Since ISAV belongs to the same virus family as Influenza A virus, with similarities in protein functions, they may hence be characterised by analogy. Like NS1 protein of Influenza A virus, s8ORF2 of ISAV is implicated in interferon antagonism and RNA-binding functions. In this study, we investigated the role of s8ORF2 in RNAi suppression in a well-established Agrobacterium transient suppression assay in stably silenced transgenic Nicotiana xanthi. In addition, s8ORF2 was identified as a novel interactor with SsMov10, a key molecule responsible for RISC assembly and maturation in the RNAi pathway. This study thus sheds light on a novel route undertaken by viral proteins in promoting viral growth, using the host RNAi machinery.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  3. Fulltext Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease by the anti-viral chimeric protein RetroMAD1
    Chan LC, Mat Yassim AS, Ahmad Fuaad AAH, Leow TC, Sabri S, Radin Yahaya RS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Nov 17;13(1):20178.
    PMID: 37978223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47511-z
    COVID-19 results from SARS-CoV-2, which mutates frequently, challenging current treatments. Therefore, it is critical to develop new therapeutic drugs against this disease. This study explores the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RetroMAD1, a well-characterized coronavirus protein and potential drug target, using in-silico methods. The analysis through the HDOCK server showed stable complex formation with a binding energy of -12.3, the lowest among reference drugs. The RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex underwent a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) in an explicit solvation system, generating various trajectories, including RMSD, RMSF, hydrogen bonding, radius of gyration, and ligand binding energy. MDS results confirmed intact interactions within the RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex during simulations. In vitro experiments validated RetroMAD1's ability to inhibit 3CLpro enzyme activity and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in human bronchial cells. RetroMAD1 exhibited antiviral efficacy comparable to Remdesivir without cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. These results suggest RetroMAD1 as a potential drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies to assess its efficiency.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  4. NS3 protease of Langat tick-borne flavivirus cleaves serine protease substrates
    Scaramozzino N, Crance JM, Drouet C, Roebuck JP, Drouet E, Jouan A, et al.
    Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2002 May 31;294(1):16-22.
    PMID: 12054734
    Langat (LGT) virus, initially isolated in 1956 from ticks in Malaysia, is a naturally occurring nonpathogenic virus with a very close antigenicity to the highly pathogenic tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) Western subtype virus and TBE Far Eastern subtype virus. NS3, the second largest viral protein of LGT virus, is highly conserved among flaviviruses and contains a characteristic protease moiety (NS3 pro). NS3 pro represents an attractive target for anti-protease molecules against TBE virus. We report herein a purification method specially designed for NS3 pro of LGT using a strategy for proper refolding coupled with the enzymatic characterisation of the protein. Different p-nitroanilide substrates, defined on canonic sequences for their susceptibility to Ser-protease, were applied to the proteolytic assays of the protein. The highest values were obtained from substrates containing an Arg or Lys (amino acid) residue at the P1 position. This purification method will facilitate the future development of reliable testing procedures for anti-proteases directed to NS3 proteins.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  5. Expression of surface-bound nonstructural 1 (NS1) protein of influenza virus A H5N1 on Lactobacillus casei strain C1
    Tan TS, Syed Hassan S, Yap WB
    Lett Appl Microbiol, 2017 Jun;64(6):446-451.
    PMID: 28370088 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12738
    The study aimed to construct a recombinant Lactobacillus casei expressing the nonstructural (NS) 1 protein of influenza A virus H5N1 on its cell wall. The NS1 gene was first amplified and fused to the pSGANC332 expression plasmid. The NS1 protein expression was carried out by Lact. casei strain C1. PCR screening and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of recombinant pSG-NS1-ANC332 plasmid in Lact. casei. The plasmid was stably maintained (98·94 ± 1·65%) by the bacterium within the first 20 generations without selective pressure. The NS1 was expressed as a 49-kDa protein in association with the anchoring peptide. The yield was 1·325 ± 0·065 μg mg(-1) of bacterial cells. Lactobacillus casei expressing the NS1 on its cell wall was red-fluorescently stained, but the staining was not observed on Lact. casei carrying the empty pSGANC332. The results implied that Lact. casei strain C1 is a promising host for the expression of surface-bound NS1 protein using the pSGANC332 expression plasmid.

    SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study has demonstrated, for the first time, the expression of nonstructural 1 (NS1) protein of influenza A virus H5N1 on the cell wall of Lactobacillus casei using the pSGANC332 expression plasmid. Display of NS1 protein on the bacterial cell wall was evident under an immunofluorescence microscopic observation. Lactobacillus casei carrying the NS1 protein could be developed into a universal oral influenza vaccine since the NS1 is highly conserved among influenza viruses.

    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  6. Fulltext Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells
    Panya A, Songprakhon P, Panwong S, Jantakee K, Kaewkod T, Tragoolpua Y, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 May 23;26(11).
    PMID: 34071102 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113118
    Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes mild to severe illness in humans that can lead to fatality in severe cases. Currently, no specific drug is available for the treatment of DENV infection. Thus, the development of an anti-DENV drug is urgently required. Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), which is a major bioactive compound in Cordyceps (ascomycete) fungus that has been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine, was reported to exhibit antiviral activity. However, the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin is unknown. We hypothesized that cordycepin exerts anti-DENV activity and that, as an adenosine derivative, it inhibits DENV replication. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin in DENV-infected Vero cells. Cordycepin treatment significantly decreased DENV protein at a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 26.94 μM. Moreover, DENV RNA was dramatically decreased in cordycepin-treated Vero cells, indicating its effectiveness in inhibiting viral RNA replication. Via in silico molecular docking, the binding of cordycepin to DENV non-structural protein 5 (NS5), which is an important enzyme for RNA synthesis, at both the methyltransferase (MTase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, was predicted. The results of this study demonstrate that cordycepin is able to inhibit DENV replication, which portends its potential as an anti-dengue therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  7. Fulltext Binding of Duck Tembusu Virus Nonstructural Protein 2A to Duck STING Disrupts Induction of Its Signal Transduction Cascade To Inhibit Beta Interferon Induction
    Zhang W, Jiang B, Zeng M, Duan Y, Wu Z, Wu Y, et al.
    J Virol, 2020 04 16;94(9).
    PMID: 32075929 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01850-19
    Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), which is similar to other mosquito-borne flaviviruses that replicate well in most mammalian cells, is an emerging pathogenic flavivirus that has caused epidemics in egg-laying and breeding waterfowl. Immune organ defects and neurological dysfunction are the main clinical symptoms of DTMUV infection. Preinfection with DTMUV makes the virus impervious to later interferon (IFN) treatment, revealing that DTMUV has evolved some strategies to defend against host IFN-dependent antiviral responses. Immune inhibition was further confirmed by screening for DTMUV-encoded proteins, which suggested that NS2A significantly inhibited IFN-β and IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner and facilitated reinfection with duck plague virus (DPV). DTMUV NS2A was able to inhibit duck retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-, and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-, mitochondrial-localized adaptor molecules (MAVS)-, stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-, and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-induced IFN-β transcription, but not duck TBK1- and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7)-mediated effective phases of IFN response. Furthermore, we found that NS2A competed with duTBK1 in binding to duck STING (duSTING), impaired duSTING-duSTING binding, and reduced duTBK1 phosphorylation, leading to the subsequent inhibition of IFN production. Importantly, we first identified that the W164A, Y167A, and S361A mutations in duSTING significantly impaired the NS2A-duSTING interaction, which is important for NS2A-induced IFN-β inhibition. Hence, our data demonstrated that DTMUV NS2A disrupts duSTING-dependent antiviral cellular defenses by binding with duSTING, which provides a novel mechanism by which DTMUV subverts host innate immune responses. The potential interaction sites between NS2A and duSTING may be the targets of future novel antiviral therapies and vaccine development.IMPORTANCE Flavivirus infections are transmitted through mosquitos or ticks and lead to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide with a spectrum of manifestations. Infection with an emerging flavivirus, DTMUV, manifests with clinical symptoms that include lesions of the immune organs and neurological dysfunction, leading to heavy egg drop and causing serious harm to the duck industry in China, Thailand, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries. Mosquito cells, bird cells, and mammalian cell lines are all susceptible to DTMUV infection. An in vivo study revealed that BALB/c mice and Kunming mice were susceptible to DTMUV after intracerebral inoculation. Moreover, there are no reports about DTMUV-related human disease, but antibodies against DTMUV and viral RNA were detected in serum samples of duck industry workers. This information implies that DTMUV has expanded its host range and may pose a threat to mammalian health. However, the pathogenesis of DTMUV is largely unclear. Our results show that NS2A strongly blocks the STING-induced signal transduction cascade by binding with STING, which subsequently blocks STING-STING binding and TBK1 phosphorylation. More importantly, the W164, Y167, or S361 residues in duSTING were identified as important interaction sites between STING and NS2A that are vital for NS2A-induced IFN production and effective phases of IFN response. Uncovering the mechanism by which DTMUV NS2A inhibits IFN in the cells of its natural hosts, ducks, will help us understand the role of NS2A in DTMUV pathogenicity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  8. Fulltext Computational Approach Towards Exploring Potential Anti-Chikungunya Activity of Selected Flavonoids
    Seyedi SS, Shukri M, Hassandarvish P, Oo A, Shankar EM, Abubakar S, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2016 Apr 13;6:24027.
    PMID: 27071308 DOI: 10.1038/srep24027
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes chikungunya infection in humans. Despite the widespread distribution of CHIKV, no antiviral medication or vaccine is available against this virus. Therefore, it is crucial to find an effective compound to combat CHIKV. We aimed to predict the possible interactions between non-structural protein 3 (nsP) of CHIKV as one of the most important viral elements in CHIKV intracellular replication and 3 potential flavonoids using a computational approach. The 3-dimensional structure of nsP3 was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank, prepared and, using AutoDock Vina, docked with baicalin, naringenin and quercetagetin as ligands. The first-rated ligand with the strongest binding affinity towards the targeted protein was determined based on the minimum binding energy. Further analysis was conducted to identify both the active site of the protein that reacts with the tested ligands and all of the existing intermolecular bonds. Compared to the other ligands, baicalin was identified as the most potential inhibitor of viral activity by showing the best binding affinity (-9.8 kcal/mol). Baicalin can be considered a good candidate for further evaluation as a potentially efficient antiviral against CHIKV.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  9. Fulltext Protegrin-1 inhibits dengue NS2B-NS3 serine protease and viral replication in MK2 cells
    Rothan HA, Abdulrahman AY, Sasikumer PG, Othman S, Rahman NA, Yusof R
    J Biomed Biotechnol, 2012;2012:251482.
    PMID: 23093838 DOI: 10.1155/2012/251482
    Dengue diseases have an economic as well as social burden worldwide. In this study, the antiviral activity of protegrin-1 (PG-1, RGGRLCYCRRRFCVCVGR) peptide towards dengue NS2B-NS3pro and viral replication in Rhesus monkey kidney (MK2) cells was investigated. The peptide PG-1 was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and disulphide bonds formation followed by peptide purification was confirmed by LC-MS and RPHPLC. Dengue NS2B-NS3pro was produced as a single-chain recombinant protein in E. coli. The NS2B-NS3pro assay was carried out by measuring the florescence emission of catalyzed substrate. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the inhibition potential of PG-1 towards dengue serotype-2 (DENV-2) replication in MK2 cells. The results showed that PG-1 inhibited dengue NS2B-NS3pro at IC(50) of 11.7 μM. The graded concentrations of PG-1 at nontoxic range were able to reduce viral replication significantly (P < 0.001) at 24, 48, and 72 hrs after viral infection. However, the percentage of inhibition was significantly (P < 0.01) higher at 24 hrs compared to 48 and 72 hrs. These data show promising therapeutic potential of PG-1 against dengue infection, hence it warrants further analysis and improvement of the peptide features as a prospective starting point for consideration in designing attractive dengue virus inhibitors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  10. Dengue virus type 2 NS3 protease and NS2B-NS3 protease precursor induce apoptosis
    Shafee N, AbuBakar S
    J Gen Virol, 2003 Aug;84(Pt 8):2191-2195.
    PMID: 12867651 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.19022-0
    Apoptosis was detected in Vero cell cultures expressing transfected dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) genes. Approximately 17.5 and 51.5 % of cells expressing NS3 serine protease and NS2B-NS3(185) serine protease precursor protein [NS2B-NS3(185)(pro)] genes, respectively, were apoptotic. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in cell cultures expressing NS2B-NS3(185)(pro). NS2B-NS3(185)(pro) was detected as NS2B-NS3(185)(pro)-EGFP fusion protein in cytoplasmic vesicular structures in the apoptotic cells. Site-directed mutagenesis which replaced His(51) with Ala within the protease catalytic triad significantly reduced the ability of the expressed NS3 and NS2B-NS3(185)(pro) to induce apoptosis. Results from the present study showed that DENV-2-encoded NS3 serine protease induces apoptosis, which is enhanced in cells expressing its precursor, NS2B-NS3(185)(pro). These findings suggest the importance of NS2B as a cofactor to NS3 protease-induced apoptosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  11. Fulltext Viral Fitness Landscapes in Diverse Host Species Reveal Multiple Evolutionary Lines for the NS1 Gene of Influenza A Viruses
    Muñoz-Moreno R, Martínez-Romero C, Blanco-Melo D, Forst CV, Nachbagauer R, Benitez AA, et al.
    Cell Rep, 2019 12 17;29(12):3997-4009.e5.
    PMID: 31851929 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.070
    Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have a remarkable tropism in their ability to circulate in both mammalian and avian species. The IAV NS1 protein is a multifunctional virulence factor that inhibits the type I interferon host response through a myriad of mechanisms. How NS1 has evolved to enable this remarkable property across species and its specific impact in the overall replication, pathogenicity, and host preference remain unknown. Here we analyze the NS1 evolutionary landscape and host tropism using a barcoded library of recombinant IAVs. Results show a surprisingly great variety of NS1 phenotypes according to their ability to replicate in different hosts. The IAV NS1 genes appear to have taken diverse and random evolutionary pathways within their multiple phylogenetic lineages. In summary, the high evolutionary plasticity of this viral protein underscores the ability of IAVs to adapt to multiple hosts and aids in our understanding of its global prevalence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  12. Fulltext Molecular characterization of the viral structural protein genes in the first outbreak of dengue virus type 2 in Hunan Province, inland China in 2018
    Guan J, He Z, Qin M, Deng X, Chen J, Duan S, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2021 Feb 10;21(1):166.
    PMID: 33568111 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05823-3
    BACKGROUND: An unexpected dengue outbreak occurred in Hunan Province in 2018. This was the first dengue outbreak in this area of inland China, and 172 cases were reported.

    METHODS: To verify the causative agent of this outbreak and characterise the viral genes, the genes encoding the structural proteins C/prM/E of viruses isolated from local residents were sequenced followed by mutation and phylogenetic analysis. Recombination, selection pressure, potential secondary structure and three-dimensional structure analyses were also performed.

    RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all epidemic strains were of the cosmopolitan DENV-2 genotype and were most closely related to the Zhejiang strain (MH010629, 2017) and then the Malaysia strain (KJ806803, 2013). Compared with the sequence of DENV-2SS, 151 base substitutions were found in the sequences of 89 isolates; these substitutions resulted in 20 non-synonymous mutations, of which 17 mutations existed in all samples (two in the capsid protein, six in the prM/M proteins, and nine in the envelope proteins). Moreover, amino acid substitutions at the 602nd (E322:Q → H) and 670th (E390: N → S) amino acids may have enhanced the virulence of the epidemic strains. One new DNA binding site and five new protein binding sites were observed. Two polynucleotide binding sites and seven protein binding sites were lost in the epidemic strains compared with DENV-2SS. Meanwhile, five changes were found in helical regions. Minor changes were observed in helical transmembrane and disordered regions. The 429th amino acid of the E protein switched from a histamine (positively charged) to an asparagine (neutral) in all 89 isolated strains. No recombination events or positive selection pressure sites were observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the genetic characteristics of epidemic strains in the first dengue outbreak in Hunan Province in inland China.

    CONCLUSIONS: The causative agent is likely to come from Zhejiang Province, a neighbouring province where dengue fever broke out in 2017. This study may help clarify the intrinsic geographical relatedness of DENV-2 and contribute to further research on pathogenicity and vaccine development.

    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  13. Binding specificity of polypeptide substrates in NS2B/NS3pro serine protease of dengue virus type 2: A molecular dynamics Study
    Yotmanee P, Rungrotmongkol T, Wichapong K, Choi SB, Wahab HA, Kungwan N, et al.
    J Mol Graph Model, 2015 Jul;60:24-33.
    PMID: 26086900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2015.05.008
    The pathogenic dengue virus (DV) is a growing global threat, particularly in South East Asia, for which there is no specific treatment available. The virus possesses a two-component (NS2B/NS3) serine protease that cleaves the viral precursor proteins. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the NS2B/NS3 protease complexes with six peptide substrates (capsid, intNS3, 2A/2B, 4B/5, 3/4A and 2B/3 containing the proteolytic site between P(1) and P(1)' subsites) of DV type 2 to compare the specificity of the protein-substrate binding recognition. Although all substrates were in the active conformation for cleavage reaction by NS2B/NS3 protease, their binding strength was somewhat different. The simulated results of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and decomposition energies suggested that among the ten substrate residues (P(5)-P(5)') the P(1) and P(2) subsites play a major role in the binding with the focused protease. The arginine residue at these two subsites was found to be specific preferential binding at the active site with a stabilization energy of intNS3>2A/2B>4B/5>3/4A>2B/3 in a relative correspondence with previous experimentally derived values.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  14. Degradation of MicroRNA miR-466d-3p by Japanese Encephalitis Virus NS3 Facilitates Viral Replication and Interleukin-1β Expression
    Jiang H, Bai L, Ji L, Bai Z, Su J, Qin T, et al.
    J Virol, 2020 07 16;94(15).
    PMID: 32461319 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00294-20
    Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the mechanism contributing to miRNA regulation in the CNS is not known. We discovered global degradation of mature miRNA in mouse brains and neuroblastoma (NA) cells after JEV infection. Integrative analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs suggested that several significantly downregulated miRNAs and their targeted mRNAs were clustered into an inflammation pathway. Transfection with miRNA 466d-3p (miR-466d-3p) decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression and inhibited JEV replication in NA cells. However, miR-466d-3p expression increased after JEV infection in the presence of cycloheximide, indicating that viral protein expression reduced miR-466d-3p expression. We generated all the JEV coding proteins and demonstrated NS3 helicase protein to be a potent miRNA suppressor. The NS3 proteins of Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-2 also decreased miR-466d-3p expression. Results from helicase-blocking assays and in vitro unwinding assays demonstrated that NS3 could unwind pre-miR-466d and induce miRNA dysfunction. Computational models and an RNA immunoprecipitation assay revealed arginine-rich domains of NS3 to be crucial for pre-miRNA binding and degradation of host miRNAs. Importantly, site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues in NS3 revealed that R226G and R202W reduced the binding affinity and degradation of pre-miR-466d. These results expand the function of flavivirus helicases beyond unwinding duplex RNA to degrade pre-miRNAs. Hence, we revealed a new mechanism for NS3 in regulating miRNA pathways and promoting neuroinflammation.IMPORTANCE Host miRNAs have been reported to regulate JEV-induced inflammation in the CNS. We found that JEV infection could reduce expression of host miRNA. The helicase region of the NS3 protein bound specifically to miRNA precursors and could lead to incorrect unwinding of miRNA precursors, thereby reducing the expression of mature miRNAs. This observation led to two major findings. First, our results suggested that JEV NS3 protein induced miR-466d-3p degradation, which promoted IL-1β expression and JEV replication. Second, arginine molecules on NS3 were the main miRNA-binding sites, because we demonstrated that miRNA degradation was abolished if arginines at R226 and R202 were mutated. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of JEV and reveals several amino acid sites that could be mutated for a JEV vaccine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  15. Generation of soluble, disulfide-rich JEV NS1 protein recognizable by anti-NS1 antibodies through a simplified, in vitro refolding approach
    Chong HY, Leow CY, Leow CH
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Aug 31;185:485-493.
    PMID: 34174313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.146
    Co-existence of Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) with highly homologous antigenic epitopes results in antibody-based serodiagnosis being inaccurate at detecting and distinguishing JEV from other flaviviruses. This often causes misdiagnosis and inefficient treatments of flavivirus infection. Generation of JEV NS1 protein remains a challenge as it is notably expressed in the form of inactive aggregates known as inclusion bodies using bacterial expression systems. This study evaluated two trxB and gor E. coli strains in producing soluble JEV NS1 via a cold-shock expression system. High yield of JEV NS1 inclusion bodies was produced using cold-shocked expression system. Subsequently, a simplified yet successful approach in generating soluble, active JEV NS1 protein through solubilization, purification and in vitro refolding of JEV NS1 protein from inclusion bodies was developed. A step-wise dialysis refolding approach was used to facilitate JEV NS1 refolding. The authenticity of the refolded JEV NS1 was confirmed by specific antibody binding on indirect ELISA commercial anti-NS1 antibodies which showed that the refolded JEV NS1 was highly immunoreactive. This presented approach is cost-effective, and negates the need for mammalian or insect cell expression systems in order to synthesize this JEV NS1 protein of important diagnostic and therapeutic relevance in Japanese Encephalitis disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  16. Fulltext Screening of antiviral activities in medicinal plants extracts against dengue virus using dengue NS2B-NS3 protease assay
    Rothan HA, Zulqarnain M, Ammar YA, Tan EC, Rahman NA, Yusof R
    Trop Biomed, 2014 Jun;31(2):286-96.
    PMID: 25134897 MyJurnal
    Dengue virus infects millions of people worldwide and there is no vaccine or anti-dengue therapeutic available. Screening large numbers of medicinal plants for anti-dengue activities is an alternative strategy in order to find the potent therapeutic compounds. Therefore, this study was designed to identify anti-dengue activities in nineteen medicinal plant extracts that are used in traditional medicine. Local medicinal plants Vernonia cinerea, Hemigraphis reptans, Hedyotis auricularia, Laurentia longiflora, Tridax procumbers and Senna angustifolia were used in this study. The highest inhibitory activates against dengue NS2B-NS3pro was observed in ethanolic extract of S. angustifolia leaves, methanolic extract of V. cinerea leaves and ethanol extract of T. procumbens stems. These findings were further verified by in vitro viral inhibition assay. Methanolic extract of V. cinerea leaves, ethanol extract of T. procumbens stems and at less extent ethanolic extract of S. angustifolia leaves were able to maintain the normal morphology of DENV2-infected Vero cells without causing much cytopathic effects (CPE). The percentage of viral inhibition of V. cinerea and T. procumbens extracts were significantly higher than S. angustifolia extract as measured by plaque formation assay and RT-qPCR. In conclusion, The outcome of this study showed that the methanolic extract of V. cinerea leaves and ethanol extract of T. procumbens stems possessed high inhibitory activates against dengue virus that worth more investigation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  17. Fulltext Doxycycline Interferes with Zika Virus Serine Protease and Inhibits Virus Replication in Human Skin Fibroblasts
    Chong Teoh T, J Al-Harbi S, Abdulrahman AY, Rothan HA
    Molecules, 2021 Jul 16;26(14).
    PMID: 34299596 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144321
    Zika virus (ZIKV) represents a re-emerging threat to global health due to its association with congenital birth defects. ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease is crucial for virus replication by cleaving viral polyprotein at various junctions to release viral proteins and cause cytotoxic effects in ZIKV-infected cells. This study characterized the inhibitory effects of doxycycline against ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease and viral replication in human skin cells. The in silico data showed that doxycycline binds to the active site of ZIKV protease at a low docking energy (-7.8 Kcal/mol) via four hydrogen bonds with the protease residues TYR1130, SER1135, GLY1151, and ASP83. Doxycycline efficiently inhibited viral NS2B-NS3 protease at average human temperature (37 °C) and human temperature with a high fever during virus infection (40 °C). Interestingly, doxycycline showed a higher inhibitory effect at 40 °C (IC50 = 5.3 µM) compared to 37 °C (9.9 µM). The virus replication was considerably reduced by increasing the concentration of doxycycline. An approximately 50% reduction in virus replication was observed at 20 µM of doxycycline. Treatment with 20 µM of doxycycline reduced the cytopathic effects (CPE), and the 40 µM of doxycycline almost eliminated the CPE of human skin cells. This study showed that doxycycline binds to the ZIKV protease and inhibits its catalytic activity at a low micro-molecular concentration range. Treatment of human skin fibroblast with doxycycline eliminated ZIKV infection and protected the cells against the cytopathic effects of the infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  18. Rational drug discovery: Ellagic acid as a potent dual-target inhibitor against hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (HCV G3) NS3 enzymes
    Lim SK, Othman R, Yusof R, Heh CH
    Chem Biol Drug Des, 2021 01;97(1):28-40.
    PMID: 32657543 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13756
    Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) has served as a popular strategy for rational drug discovery. In this study, we aimed to discover novel benzopyran-based inhibitors that targeted the NS3 enzymes (NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase) of HCV G3 using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches. With the aid of SBVS, six novel compounds were discovered to inhibit HCV G3 NS3/4A protease and two phytochemicals (ellagic acid and myricetin) were identified as dual-target inhibitors that inhibited both NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase in vitro (IC50  = 40.37 ± 5.47 nm and 6.58 ± 0.99 µm, respectively). Inhibitory activities against the replication of HCV G3 replicons were further assessed in a cell-based system with four compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition. Compound P8 was determined to be the most potent compound from the cell-based assay with an EC50 of 19.05 µm. The dual-target inhibitor, ellagic acid, was determined as the second most potent (EC50  = 32.37 µm) and the most selective in its inhibitory activity against the replication of HCV replicons, without severely affecting the viability of the host cells (selectivity index > 6.18).
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
  19. Fulltext 2BC Non-Structural Protein of Enterovirus A71 Interacts with SNARE Proteins to Trigger Autolysosome Formation
    Lai JKF, Sam IC, Verlhac P, Baguet J, Eskelinen EL, Faure M, et al.
    Viruses, 2017 07 04;9(7).
    PMID: 28677644 DOI: 10.3390/v9070169
    Viruses have evolved unique strategies to evade or subvert autophagy machinery. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) induces autophagy during infection in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we report that EV-A71 triggers autolysosome formation during infection in human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells to facilitate its replication. Blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion with chloroquine inhibited virus RNA replication, resulting in lower viral titres, viral RNA copies and viral proteins. Overexpression of the non-structural protein 2BC of EV-A71 induced autolysosome formation. Yeast 2-hybrid and co-affinity purification assays showed that 2BC physically and specifically interacted with aN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) protein, syntaxin-17 (STX17). Co-immunoprecipitation assay further showed that 2BC binds to SNARE proteins, STX17 and synaptosome associated protein 29 (SNAP29). Transient knockdown of STX17, SNAP29, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), crucial proteins in the fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes) as well as the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) impaired production of infectious EV-A71 in RD cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the generation of autolysosomes triggered by the 2BC non-structural protein is important for EV-A71 replication, revealing a potential molecular pathway targeted by the virus to exploit autophagy. This study opens the possibility for the development of novel antivirals that specifically target 2BC to inhibit formation of autolysosomes during EV-A71 infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism*
  20. Fulltext Cloning and expression of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus full-length nonstructural gene in Pichia pastoris
    Abubakar MB, Aini I, Omar AR, Hair-Bejo M
    J Biomed Biotechnol, 2011;2011:414198.
    PMID: 21541235 DOI: 10.1155/2011/414198
    Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious and rapidly evolving pathogen of major concern to the poultry industry and human health. Rapid and accurate detection of avian influenza virus is a necessary tool for control of outbreaks and surveillance. The AI virus A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1) was used as a template to produce DNA clones of the full-length NS1 genes via reverse transcriptase synthesis of cDNA by PCR amplification of the NS1 region. Products were cloned into pCR2.0 TOPO TA plasmid and subsequently subcloned into pPICZαA vector to construct a recombinant plasmid. Recombinant plasmid designated as pPICZαA-NS1 gene was confirmed by PCR colony screening, restriction enzyme digestion, and nucleotide sequence analysis. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115 strain by electroporation, and expressed protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. A recombinant protein of approximately ~28 kDa was produced. The expressed protein was able to bind a rabbit polyclonal antibody of nonstructural protein (NS1) avian influenza virus H5N1. The result of the western blotting and solid-phase ELISA assay using H5N1 antibody indicated that the recombinant protein produced retained its antigenicity. This further indicates that Pichia pastoris could be an efficient expression system for a avian influenza virus nonstructural (NS1).
    Matched MeSH terms: Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
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