Publications by authors named "W L Hinrichs"
Increasing resistance to antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of influenza urges the development of novel compounds. Ideally, this should be complemented by a careful consideration of the administration route. 6'siallyllactosamine-functionalized β-cyclodextrin (CD-6'SLN) is a novel entry inhibitor that acts as a mimic of the primary attachment receptor of influenza, sialic acid.
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- * Recent advancements in the field include the approval of boronate-based β-lactamase inhibitors for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for effective solutions.
- * Researchers used time-resolved serial crystallography to gain insights into the binding mechanisms of β-lactamase CTX-M-14, collecting detailed data that enhances the understanding of enzymatic reactions and resistance.
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- The main protease (M) of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for the virus's functionality and is considered a potential target for drug development, as it is only active in its reduced form.
- When oxidized, M's activity halts but can be restored, indicating an evolutionary adaptation to oxidative environments, although the protective mechanisms haven't been fully elucidated.
- Researchers determined the crystal structure of oxidized M, revealing a disulfide bond that affects its dimer stability and crystallization, providing insights into the protein's response to oxidative stress and its structural study conditions.*
Background: Lung fibrosis is a chronic lung disease with a high mortality rate with only two approved drugs (pirfenidone and nintedanib) to attenuate its progression. To date, there are no reliable biomarkers to assess fibrosis development and/or treatment effects for these two drugs. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is used as a serum marker to diagnose liver fibrosis and we have previously shown it associates with lung fibrosis as well.
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- Emerging RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 pose significant health risks, with the virus entering cells through pathways that rely on cysteine cathepsins, particularly cathepsin L (CatL), a potential target for treatment.
- * Researchers explored a range of inhibitors targeting CatL, finding that compounds such as Calpain inhibitor XII and MG-101 show strong antiviral effects at very low concentrations in specific cell lines.
- * The study also revealed an off-target effect of some inhibitors and provided detailed crystal structures of CatL, which can help in designing better drug candidates against protease-related diseases.