Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hrithika Panday, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Mohammed Al-Shehri, Siva Prasad Panda, Rashmi Rana, Nada F. Alwathinani, Esam I. Azhar, Vivek Dhar Dwivedi, Abhimanyu Kumar Jha
Summary: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an important drug target for inhibiting dengue virus (DENV) and has received attention in antiviral drug discovery. In this study, we screened 121 natural compounds from Litsea cubeba against DENV RdRp using computer-based drug discovery approaches. We identified four potential compounds (Ushinsunine, Cassameridine, (+)-Epiexcelsin, (-)-Phanostenine) with good binding scores and stable interactions with the target protein. Molecular dynamics simulation studies and post-simulation analysis were performed to assess the stability of the complexes and the drugs' interaction with the target protein. The findings suggest that phytochemicals derived from Litsea cubeba could be a therapeutic solution for controlling DENV infection.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
G. G. Figueiredo, O. A. Coronel, A. C. Trabuco, D. E. Bazan, R. R. Russo, N. L. Alvarenga, V. H. Aquino
Summary: This study identified three saponins from the root extract of Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. with virucidal effects against DENV-2 and inhibitory activity against yellow fever virus. These saponins may serve as lead compounds for the development of antiviral agents.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Min-Hsuan Lin, Dongsheng Li, Bing Tang, Li Li, Andreas Suhrbier, David Harrich
Summary: Synthetic DENV DIPs can effectively inhibit the replication of multiple viruses, including DENV, ZIKV, YFV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. DENV DIPs are defective interfering particles that inhibit virus replication by activating cellular innate immunity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Awadalkareem Adam, Christian Jassoy
Summary: Arbovirus infections are prevalent in Africa due to the lack of established epidemiological surveillance systems and accurate differential diagnosis. Studies indicate these infections are endemic in most African countries, highlighting the need for improved monitoring to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Healthcare providers should be informed about prevalent arboviral diseases to better identify and manage possible cases.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hao Ren, Jiaqi Wang, Hailin Tang, Xijing Qian, Binghui Xia, Zhenghan Luo, Zhenghao Xu, Zhongtian Qi, Ping Zhao
Summary: This study discovered that tiratricol (TRIAC) can effectively inhibit yellow fever virus (YFV) by suppressing viral RNA synthesis and protein expression. It was found to hinder viral replication by binding to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain of viral nonstructural protein NS5. TRIAC also showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity against other flaviviruses. The results demonstrate the clinical potential of TRIAC as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of YFV infection.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nitesh K. Gupta, Srinivasan Jayakumar, Wen-Chieh Huang, Pieter Leyssen, Johan Neyts, Sergey O. Bachurin, Jih Ru Hwu, Shwu-Chen Tsay
Summary: The yellow fever virus is an emerging RNA virus that causes large outbreaks through mosquito transmission and international travel. By studying and developing new compounds, effective drugs for prevention and treatment of yellow fever can be found.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kyoko Saito, Kentaro Shimasaki, Masayoshi Fukasawa, Ryosuke Suzuki, Yuko Okemoto-Nakamura, Kaoru Katoh, Tomohiko Takasaki, Kentaro Hanada
Summary: This study established and characterized Vero cell lines carrying YFV replicons, and investigated the effects of various drugs on the persistent replication of the replicons. The results showed that several drugs could inhibit the replication of the replicons, providing evidence for the screening of antiviral drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ana Carolina Ferreira Balleste Ajorio, Vinicius Pessanha Rhodes, Anderson Peclat Rodrigues, Filipe Merces Moreira, Vanessa Alvaro Diniz, Josiane Machado Vieira Mattoso, Igor Barbosa da Silva, Daniel da Silva Guedes Junior, Marcelo Luiz Lima Brandao
Summary: This study evaluated the inactivation performance of hydrogen peroxide on the yellow fever virus, showing promising results in reducing virus titre at different concentrations and exposure times. Hydrogen peroxide could be a potential disinfectant for yellow fever virus elimination, with varying optimum concentration and contact time depending on the application type.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pei-Shan Tsai, Pin-Xian Du, Batuhan Birol Keskin, Nan-Yao Lee, Shu-Wen Wan, Ya-Lan Lin, Wen-Yu Su, Pei-Chun Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Hsi-Chang Shih, Tzong-Shiann Ho, Guan-Da Syu
Summary: This study aims to analyze the humoral immunity and cross-reactivity in dengue patients using a multiplexed protein microarray. The results show that patients with severe dengue have higher levels of IgG antibodies against multiple Flavivirus antigens. Logistic regression analysis identifies groups of markers that can effectively distinguish dengue patients from healthy controls and hospitalized patients from mild cases.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Shiza Malik, Omar Ahsan, Hassan Mumtaz, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Ranjit Sah, Yasir Waheed
Summary: Developing effective vaccines and therapeutics against dengue is crucial, as nearly half of the world population is at risk. Two vaccines have been approved so far, but they have limitations. Rating: 8/10.
Article
Immunology
Xijing Qian, Bingan Wu, Hailin Tang, Zhenghan Luo, Zhenghao Xu, Songying Ouyang, Xiangliang Li, Jianfeng Xie, Zhigang Yi, Qibin Leng, Yan Liu, Zhongtian Qi, Ping Zhao
Summary: Rifapentine has been found to be an effective inhibitor of yellow fever virus (YFV), interfering with viral entry and replication. It binds to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain of the viral nonstructural protein NS5. In mouse experiments, rifapentine significantly improves survival rate, alleviates clinical signs, and reduces virus load and organ injury. Its antiviral activity is superior to the previously reported YFV inhibitor sofosbuvir.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Lars Pelz, Elena Piagnani, Patrick Marsall, Nancy Wynserski, Marc Dominique Hein, Pavel Marichal-Gallardo, Sascha Young Kupke, Udo Reichl
Summary: This study demonstrates that influenza A virus defective interfering particles (DIPs) can suppress the replication and spread of respiratory syncytial, yellow fever, and Zika viruses in human lung cells. The antiviral activity of DIPs is dependent on the production of interferon and the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
Article
Microbiology
Mercedes Viettri, Gerson Caraballo, Maria Elena Sanchez, Aurora Espejel-Nunez, Abigail Betanzos, Vianney Ortiz-Navarrete, Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez, Porfirio Nava, Juan E. Ludert
Summary: This study compared the growth and dissemination of Zika virus (ZIKV) with dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus (YFV-17D) in cells. The results showed that ZIKV has a greater ability to infect cells and inhibits the immune and chemical responses of cells.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yevhenii Novodvorskyi, Roman Lesyk, Igor Komarov, Dmitry Lega, Iryna Zhuravel, Oleh Moskalenko, Volodymyr Sukhoveev, Anatolii Demchenko
Summary: Yellow fever disease is a public health concern in the tropics, and there is currently a lack of effective treatment. Researchers synthesized a series of new compounds and tested their inhibitory activity against yellow fever virus. Four compounds with strong inhibitory activity were identified, which showed good toxicity profile, making them potential candidates for further evaluation in the treatment of yellow fever virus infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Julia C. LeCher, Keivan Zandi, Vivian Vasconcelos Costa, Franck Amblard, Sijia Tao, Dharmeshkumar Patel, Sujin Lee, Felipe Rocha da Silva Santos, Matheus Rodrigues Goncalves, Celso Martins Queroz-Junior, Fernanda Martins Marim, Katie Musall, Shu Ling Goh, Tamara McBrayer, Jessica Downs-Bowen, Ramyani De, Niloufar Azadi, James Kohler, Mauro Martins Teixeira, Raymond F. Schinazi
Summary: This study reports potential antiviral drugs against yellow fever virus, showing low toxicity, high intracellular metabolism, and strong anti-YFV activity in different models. The findings provide a new therapeutic option for treating yellow fever virus infections.
Article
Immunology
Victor Emmanuel Viana Geddes, Otavio Jose Bernardes Brustolini, Liliane Tavares de Faria Cavalcante, Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira, Fernando Luz de Castro, Ana Paula de Campos Guimaraes, Alexandra Lehmkuhl Gerber, Camila Menezes Figueiredo, Luan Pereira Diniz, Eurico de Arruda Neto, Amilcar Tanuri, Renan Pedra Souza, Iranaia Assuncao-Miranda, Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon, Luciana Ferreira Romao, Jorge Paes Barreto Marcondes de Souza, Ana Tereza Ribeiro de Vasconcelos, Renato Santana de Aguiar
Summary: Arboviruses pose a major threat worldwide, particularly in tropical countries. Astrocytes play a crucial role in controlling inflammation, extracellular matrix, and glutamate neurotoxicity in the central nervous system. Infection with different arboviruses results in differential gene expression and pathway changes, with common down-regulation of immune and antiviral responses.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liliane O. Ortlieb, Icaro P. Caruso, Nathane C. Mebus-Antunes, Andrea T. Da Poian, Elaine da C. Petronilho, Jose Daniel Figueroa-Villar, Claudia J. Nascimento, Fabio C. L. Almeida
Summary: A study synthesised and screened 18 aromatic derivatives of guanylhydrazones and oximes aromatic for their ability to bind to dengue virus capsid protein. Results showed that five compounds were able to bind to a specific region of the capsid protein, inhibiting the virus infectivity.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lana Monteiro Meuren, Elisa Beatriz Prestes, Michelle Premazzi Papa, Luiza Rachel Pinheiro de Carvalho, Yasmin Mucuna Mustafa, Leandro Silva da Costa, Andrea T. Da Poian, Marcelo Torres Bozza, Luciana Barros Arruda
Summary: Infection with DENV induces ROS production in HBMECs through activation of mitochondrial function and NADPH oxidase, impacting cell physiology and leading to increased cell death and endothelial permeability. Inhibiting ROS generation by targeting mitochondrial or NOX pathways can reduce virus replication, cell death, and inflammation, presenting potential therapeutic targets for preventing dengue pathogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Icaro Putinhon Caruso, Vitor dos Santos Almeida, Mariana Juliani do Amaral, Guilherme Caldas de Andrade, Gabriela Rocha de Araujo, Talita Stelling de Araujo, Jessica Moreira de Azevedo, Glauce Moreno Barbosa, Leonardo Bartkevihi, Peter Reis Bezerra, Katia Maria dos Santos Cabral, Isabella Otenio de Lourenco, Clara L. F. Malizia-Motta, Aline de Luna Marques, Nathane Cunha Mebus-Antunes, Thais Cristtina Neves-Martins, Jessica Marostica de Sa, Karoline Sanches, Marcos Caique Santana-Silva, Ariana Azevedo Vasconcelos, Marcius da Silva Almeida, Gisele Cardoso de Amorim, Cristiane Dinis Anobom, Andrea T. Da Poian, Francisco Gomes-Neto, Anderson S. Pinheiro, Fabio C. L. Almeida
Summary: This study investigates the binding characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with nucleic acid sequences and reveals its role in RNA transcription and liquid-liquid phase separation. The findings suggest that the binding of the nucleocapsid protein to a specific sequence can induce DNA melting, which is crucial for viral infection. Additionally, the study shows a preference for the nucleocapsid protein to form liquid condensates with specific sequences, providing insights for the design of drugs targeting the nucleocapsid protein.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathane C. Mebus-Antunes, Wellington S. Ferreira, Glauce M. Barbosa, Thais C. Neves-Martins, Gilberto Weissmuller, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Andrea T. Da Poian
Summary: This study establishes the conditions for in vitro assembly of DENV nucleocapsid-like particles (NCLPs) using recombinant DENVC. The assembly process is concentration-dependent and involves DENVC charge neutralization. The results shed light on the assembly mechanism of DENV and have important implications for understanding the virus.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Toni Todorovski, Diogo A. Mendonca, Lorena O. Fernandes-Siqueira, Christine Cruz-Oliveira, Giuseppina Guida, Javier Valle, Marco Cavaco, Fernanda I. Limas, Vera Neves, Iris Cadima-Couto, Sira Defaus, Ana Salome Veiga, Andrea T. Da Poian, Miguel A. R. B. Castanho, David Andreu
Summary: Viral disease outbreaks pose a serious threat to global health, particularly the Zika virus, which can cause severe complications during pregnancy. There is currently no effective treatment, but peptide-porphyrin conjugation shows promise as a strategy for filling this treatment gap.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lorena O. Fernandes-Siqueira, Fabiana A. P. Ferreira, Bruna G. Sousa, Nathane C. Mebus-Antunes, Thais C. Neves-Martins, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Gustavo C. Ferreira, Didier Salmon, Luciana S. Wermelinger, Andrea T. Da Poian
Summary: This study optimized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for detecting antibodies against various proteins of SARS-CoV-2. The test was applied to a cohort of individuals and showed potential for customization and valuable applications in understanding immune responses and vaccine coverage.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hannes Berg, Maria A. Wirtz Martin, Nadide Altincekic, Islam Alshamleh, Jasleen Kaur Bains, Julius Blechar, Betul Ceylan, Vanessa de Jesus, Karthikeyan Dhamotharan, Christin Fuks, Santosh L. Gande, Bruno Hargittay, Katharina F. Hohmann, Marie T. Hutchison, Sophie Marianne Korn, Robin Krishnathas, Felicitas Kutz, Verena Linhard, Tobias Matzel, Nathalie Meiser, Anna Niesteruk, Dennis J. Pyper, Linda Schulte, Sven Trucks, Kamal Azzaoui, Marcel J. J. Blommers, Yojana Gadiya, Reagon Karki, Andrea Zaliani, Philip Gribbon, Marcius da Silva Almeida, Cristiane Dinis Anobom, Anna L. Bula, Matthias Butikofer, Icaro Putinhon Caruso, Isabella Caterina Felli, Andrea T. Da Poian, Gisele Cardoso de Amorim, Nikolaos K. Fourkiotis, Angelo Gallo, Dhiman Ghosh, Francisco Gomes-Neto, Oksana Gorbatyuk, Bing Hao, Vilius Kurauskas, Lauriane Lecoq, Yunfeng Li, Nathane Cunha Mebus-Antunes, Miguel Mompean, Thais Cristtina Neves-Martins, Marti Ninot-Pedrosa, Anderson S. Pinheiro, Letizia Pontoriero, Yulia Pustovalova, Roland Riek, Angus J. Robertson, Marie Jose Abi Saad, Miguel A. Trevino, Aikaterini C. Tsika, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Ad Bax, Katherine Henzler-Wildman, Jeffrey C. Hoch, Kristaps Jaudzems, Douglas Laurents, Julien Orts, Roberta Pierattelli, Georgios A. Spyroulias, Elke Duchardt-Ferner, Jan Ferner, Boris Furtig, Martin Hengesbach, Frank Lohr, Nusrat Qureshi, Christian Richter, Krishna Saxena, Andreas Schlundt, Sridhar Sreeramulu, Anna Wacker, Julia E. Weigand, Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek, Jens Wohnert, Harald Schwalbe
Summary: This study explores novel drug design against SARS-CoV-2 through NMR screening and computational mapping. They identified multiple molecules that bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins and studied their structural and chemical properties, providing new insights for drug development.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Glauce M. Barbosa, Maria A. Morando, Andrea T. Da Poian, Fabio C. L. Almeida
Summary: Dengue virus, an enveloped virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, is responsible for an endemic arboviral disease in humans. The capsid protein of Dengue virus forms homodimers in solution, consisting of 4 alpha-helices and an intrinsically disordered N-terminal region. The N-terminal region is involved in binding membranous structures in host cells and nucleotide recognition.
BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Fabricia L. Fontes-Dantas, Gabriel G. Fernandes, Elisa G. Gutman, Emanuelle V. De Lima, Leticia S. Antonio, Mariana B. Hammerle, Hannah P. Mota-Araujo, Lilian C. Colodeti, Suzana M. B. Araujo, Gabrielle M. Froz, Talita N. da Silva, Larissa A. Duarte, Andreza L. Salvio, Karina L. Pires, Luciane A. A. Leon, Claudia Cristina F. Vasconcelos, Luciana Romao, Luiz Eduardo B. Savio, Jerson L. Silva, Robson da Costa, Julia R. Clarke, Andrea T. Da Poian, Soniza V. Alves-Leon, Giselle F. Passos, Claudia P. Figueiredo
Summary: Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome may be caused by the release of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which can lead to neuroinflammation, synapse elimination, and memory dysfunction mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Infusing Spike protein into the brains of mice reproduced cognitive impairment similar to post-COVID-19 syndrome. In a group of 86 mild COVID-19 patients, a specific TLR4 genotype was associated with poor cognitive outcome. These findings highlight TLR4 as a key target for investigating long-term cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thais C. Neves-Martins, Nathane C. Mebus-Antunes, Carlos H. G. Neto, Glauce M. Barbosa, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Icaro P. Caruso, Andrea T. Da Poian
Summary: The researchers designed a mutant of the dengue virus capsid protein (DENVC) by replacing a positively charged spot with a cysteine residue, resulting in the self-assembly of capsid-like particles (CLP) in solution without nucleic acids.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Isis N. O. Souza, Brenda S. Andrade, Paula S. Frost, Romulo L. S. Neris, Daniel Gavino-Leopoldino, Andrea T. Da Poian, Iranaia Assuncao-Miranda, Claudia P. Figueiredo, Julia R. Clarke, Gilda A. Neves
Summary: In this study, different outcomes were observed in mice infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) based on age and sex: neonatally infected animals showed an increase in prepulse inhibition (PPI) and delayed startle latency, while adult-infected male mice had lower startle amplitude and both sexes showed PPI impairment 14 days after infection. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the functional impacts of ZIKV on the nervous system and provide insight into the behavioral and cognitive alterations caused by the virus. The study supports the use of startle reflex testing in ZIKV-exposed patients, especially infants, for early detection of functional neuromotor damage and early intervention.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcos C. C. Gama-Almeida, Gabriela D. A. Pinto, Livia Teixeira, Eugenio D. D. Hottz, Paula Ivens, Hygor Ribeiro, Rafael Garrett, Alexandre G. G. Torres, Talita I. A. Carneiro, Bianca de O. Barbalho, Christian Ludwig, Claudio J. J. Struchiner, Iranaia Assuncao-Miranda, Ana Paula C. Valente, Fernando A. A. Bozza, Patricia T. Bozza, Gilson C. C. dos Santos Jr, Tatiana El-Bacha
Summary: Brazil has the second-highest COVID-19 death rate worldwide, with Rio de Janeiro being one of the states with the highest rate in the country. Despite vaccine coverage, COVID-19 is expected to become an endemic disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of the disease and the development of long COVID-19 are still not fully understood.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lorena O. Fernandes-Siqueira, Bruna G. Sousa, Carlos E. Cleto, Luciana S. Wermelinger, Beatriz L. L. Caetano, Agatha R. Pacheco, Simone M. Costa, Fabio C. L. Almeida, Gustavo C. Ferreira, Didier Salmon, Ada M. B. Alves, Andrea T. Da Poian
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum antibody seroconversion and neutralizing antibody titers in individuals who received a complete initial vaccination schedule. The results showed that although IgG titers were high in all individuals after vaccination, the amounts of neutralizing antibodies varied among the groups. Serum neutralizing antibody concentrations were more comparable to IgA levels, suggesting that these antibodies have a major neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS
(2022)
