Human DDX3 protein is a valuable target to develop broad spectrum antiviral agents.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122; Lead Discovery Siena S.r.l., Castelnuovo Berardenga, 53019 Siena, Italy

Published: May 2016

Targeting a host factor essential for the replication of different viruses but not for the cells offers a higher genetic barrier to the development of resistance, may simplify therapy regimens for coinfections, and facilitates management of emerging viral diseases. DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3) is a human host factor required for the replication of several DNA and RNA viruses, including some of the most challenging human pathogens currently circulating, such as HIV-1, Hepatitis C virus, Dengue virus, and West Nile virus. Herein, we showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that the inhibition of DDX3 by a small molecule could be successfully exploited for the development of a broad spectrum antiviral agent. In addition to the multiple antiviral activities, hit compound 16d retained full activity against drug-resistant HIV-1 strains in the absence of cellular toxicity. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in rats confirmed a good safety profile and bioavailability of 16d. Thus, DDX3 is here validated as a valuable therapeutic target.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4868442PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1522987113DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

broad spectrum
8
spectrum antiviral
8
host factor
8
human ddx3
4
ddx3 protein
4
protein valuable
4
valuable target
4
target develop
4
develop broad
4
antiviral agents
4

Similar Publications

Background: The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant thyroid nodules continues to be a major challenge in clinical practice. The rising incidence of thyroid neoplasm and the low incidence of aggressive thyroid carcinoma, urges the exploration of strategies to improve the diagnostic accuracy in a pre-surgical phase, particularly for indeterminate nodules, and to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Only in 2022, the 5th WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors, and in 2023, the 3rd Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and the European Thyroid Association included biomarkers in their guidelines.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome (GRS) is caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in the glucocorticoid receptor gene . Reduced glucocorticoid receptor signaling leads to decreased tissue sensitivity to cortisol and resultant biochemical hypercortisolism without the classic clinical features of Cushing syndrome. Patients variably present with signs and symptoms of mineralocorticoid and androgen excess from ACTH overstimulation of the adrenal cortex.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Perinatal nicotine exposure (PNE) induces pulmonary dysplasia in offspring and it increases the risk of respiratory diseases both in offspring and across generations. The maternal gut microbiota and its metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can regulate fetal lung development and are susceptible to nicotine exposure. Therefore, modulation of PNE-induced changes in maternal gut microbiota and SCFAs may prevent the occurrence of pulmonary dysplasia in offspring.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Non-targeted metabonomics reveals the effect of linalyl alcohol on Brochothrix thermophile and its potential application.

Food Res Int

February 2025

College of Food Sciences & Engineering, Hainan University, 58 People Road, Haikou 570228, China. Electronic address:

Brochothrix thermophcta (B. thermophcta) is a pathogenic microorganism associated with food contamination. Linalyl alcohol, owing to its broad spectrum and exceptional antibacterial properties, is regarded as a potent natural antimicrobial agent.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Role of astrocytes connexins - pannexins in acute brain injury.

Neurotherapeutics

January 2025

Departamento de Medicina Intensiva, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. Electronic address:

Acute brain injuries (ABIs) encompass a broad spectrum of primary injuries such as ischemia, hypoxia, trauma, and hemorrhage that converge into secondary injury where some mechanisms show common determinants. In this regard, astroglial connexin and pannexin channels have been shown to play an important role. These channels are transmembrane proteins sharing similar topology and form gateways between adjacent cells named gap junctions (GJs) and pores into unopposed membranes named hemichannels (HCs).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!