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All-hydrocarbon stapling strategy has been widely applied for enhancing the proteolytic stability of peptides. However, two major technical hurdles to some extent limit the development of stapled peptides for therapeutic usage: rational selection of the stapling sites and the corresponding deletion of the native side chains. Previously we described the development of the olefin-terminated amino acids with the retention of native side chains and successfully applied them in the synthesis of hydrocarbon stapled peptides with single side-chain retention. Here, we explored the feasibility and effectiveness of hydrocarbon stapling strategy characterized as double side-chains retention. Modeled after a lengthy human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) fusion inhibitor SC34EK, Leui, Seri+4 and Lysi, Leui+4 stapled peptides with the retention of double side-chains were effectively obtained. Our complementary study provided a convenient alternative to address where to install the staple in sequence for conventional all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling. Furthermore, this method not only conferred conformational reinforcement for SC34EK with high α-helicity and protease resistance, but also preserved the structural characteristic (key peripheral residues, charge and solubility) of the linear peptide to the maximum, which are crucial for anti-HIV-1 activity.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) and is associated with primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) and two inflammatory diseases. KSHV-associated cancers are primarily associated with genes expressed during latency, while other pathologies are associated with lytic gene expression. The major lytic switch of the virus, RTA, interacts with cellular machinery to co-opt the host ubiquitin proteasome system to evade the immune response as well as activate the program of lytic replication. Through SILAC labeling, ubiquitin remnant enrichment and mass spectrometry, we have analyzed the RTA dependent ubiquitin-modified proteome. We identified RTA dependent changes in the populations of polyubiquitin chains, as well as changes in ubiquitinated proteins in both cells expressing RTA and naturally infected cells following lytic reactivation. We observed an enrichment of proteins that are also reported to be SUMOylated, suggesting that RTA, a SUMO targeting ubiquitin ligase, may function to alleviate a SUMO dependent block to lytic reactivation. In addition, we report an RTA dependent mechanism of immune evasion, targeting TAP dependent peptide transport resulting in decreased HLA complex stability. The results of this analysis increase our understanding of mechanisms governing the latent to lytic transition in addition to the identification of a novel RTA dependent mechanism of immune evasion.

Background Aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol (aaPG) synthases are bacterial enzymes that usually catalyze transfer of aminoacyl residues to the plasma membrane phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The result is introduction of positive charges onto the cytoplasmic membrane, yielding reduced affinity towards cationic antimicrobial peptides, and increased resistance to acidic environments. Therefore, these enzymes represent an important defense mechanism for many pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which are known to encode for lysyl-(Lys)-PG synthase MprF and LysX, respectively. Here, we used a combination of bioinformatic, genetic and bacteriological methods to characterize a protein encoded by the Mtb genome, Rv1619, carrying a domain with high similarity to MprF-like domains, suggesting that this protein could be a new aaPG synthase family member. However, unlike homologous domains of MprF and LysX that are positioned in the cytoplasm, we predicted that the MprF-like domain in LysX2 is in the extracytoplasmic region. Results Using genetic fusions to the Escherichia coli proteins PhoA and LacZ of LysX2, we confirmed this unique membrane topology, as well as LysX and MprF as benchmarks. Expression of lysX2 in Mycobacterium smegmatis increased cell resistance to human β-defensin 2 and sodium nitrite, enhanced cell viability and delayed biofilm formation in acidic pH environment. Remarkably, MtLysX2 significantly reduced the negative charge on the bacterial surface upon exposure to an acidic environment. Additionally, we found LysX2 orthologues in major human pathogens and in rapid-growing mycobacteria frequently associated with human infections, but not in environmental and non-pathogenic mycobacteria. Conclusions Overall, our data suggest that LysX2 is a prototype of a new class within the MprF-like protein family that likely enhances survival of the pathogenic species through its catalytic domain which is exposed to the extracytoplasmic side of the cell membrane and is required to decrease the negative charge on the bacterial surface through a yet uncharacterized mechanism.

Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of flavivirus infection. Accordingly, we tested the inhibitory effects of the novel θ-defensin retrocyclin-101 (RC-101) against flavivirus infection and investigated the mechanism underlying the potential inhibitory effects. First, RC-101 robustly inhibited both Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infections. RC-101 exerted inhibitory effects on the entry and replication stages. Results also indicated that the nonstructural protein NS2B-NS3 serine protease might serve as a potential viral target. Furthermore, RC-101 inhibited protease activity at the micromolar level. We also demonstrated that with respect to the glycoprotein E protein of flavivirus, the DE loop of domain III (DIII), which is the receptor-binding domain of the E protein, might serve as another viral target of RC-101. Moreover, a JEV DE mutant exhibited resistance to RC-101, which was associated with deceased binding affinity of RC-101 to DIII. These findings provide a basis for the development of RC-101 as a potential candidate for the treatment of flavivirus infection. IMPORTANCE Retrocyclin is an artificially humanized circular θ-defensin peptide, containing 18 residues, previously reported to possess broad antimicrobial activity. In this study, we found that retrocyclin-101 inhibited flavivirus (ZIKV and JEV) infections. Retrocyclin-101 inhibited NS2B-NS3 serine protease activity, suggesting that the catalytic triad of the protease is the target. Moreover, retrocyclin-101 bound to the DE loop of the E protein of flavivirus, which prevented its entry.

Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides, secreted by epithelial cells of the skin and mucosae, and astrocytes, which we and others have shown to inhibit HIV-1 in primary CD4+T cells. Although loss of CD4+T cells contributes to mucosal immune dysfunction, macrophages are a major source of persistence and spread of HIV and also contribute to the development of various HIV-associated complications. We hypothesized that, besides T cells, hBDs could protect macrophages from HIV. Our data in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM)in vitroshow that hBD2 and hBD3 inhibit HIV replication in a dose-dependent manner. We determined that hBD2 neither alters surface expression of HIV receptors nor induces expression of anti-HIV cytokines or beta-chemokines in MDM. Studies using a G-protein signaling antagonist in a single-cycle reporter virus system showed that hBD2 suppresses HIV at an early post-entry stageviaG-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling. We find that MDM express the shared chemokine-hBD receptors CCR2 and CCR6, albeit at variable levels among donors. However, cell surface expression analyses show that neither of these receptors is necessary for hBD2-mediated HIV inhibition, suggesting that hBD2 can signalviaadditional receptor(s). Our data also illustrate that hBD2 treatment was associated with increased expression of APOBEC3A and 3G antiretroviral restriction factors in MDM. These findings suggest that hBD2 inhibits HIV in MDMviamore than one CCR thus adding to the potential of using β-defensins in preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Despite widespread use of annual influenza vaccines, seasonal influenza-associated deaths number in the thousands each year, in part because of exacerbating bacterial superinfections. Therefore, discovering additional therapeutic options would be a valuable aid to public health. Recently, TLR4 inhibition has emerged as a possible mechanism for protection against influenza-associated lethality and acute lung injury. Based on recent data showing that rhesus macaque θ-defensins could inhibit TLR4-dependent gene expression, we tested the hypothesis that a novel θ-defensin, retrocyclin (RC)-101, could disrupt TLR4-dependent signaling and protect against viral infection. In this study, RC-101, a variant of the humanized θ-defensin RC-1, blocked TLR4-mediated gene expression in mouse and human macrophages in response to LPS, targeting both MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways. In a cell-free assay, RC-101 neutralized the biologic activity of LPS at doses ranging from 0.5 to 50 EU/ml, consistent with data showing that RC-101 binds biotinylated LPS. The action of RC-101 was not limited to the TLR4 pathway because RC-101 treatment of macrophages also inhibited gene expression in response to a TLR2 agonist, Pam3CSK4, but failed to bind that biotinylated agonist. Mouse macrophages infected in vitro with mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 influenza A virus (PR8) also produced lower levels of proinflammatory cytokine gene products in a TLR4-independent fashion when treated with RC-101. Finally, RC-101 decreased both the lethality and clinical severity associated with PR8 infection in mice. Cumulatively, our data demonstrate that RC-101 exhibits therapeutic potential for the mitigation of influenza-related morbidity and mortality, potentially acting through TLR-dependent and TLR-independent mechanisms.

Highlights • The G-quadruplex-forming aptamer AS1411 strongly inhibits HIV-1 infection. • AS1411 is non-toxic to the host cell at antiviral concentrations. • AS1411 blocks viral attachment to the host cell. • AS1411 binds cell-surface-expressed nucleolin, a putative HIV-1 co-receptor., AS1411 is a G-rich aptamer that forms a stable G-quadruplex structure and displays antineoplastic properties both in vitro and in vivo. This oligonucleotide has undergone phase 2 clinical trials. The major molecular target of AS1411 is nucleolin (NCL), a multifunctional nucleolar protein also present in the cell membrane where it selectively mediates the binding and uptake of AS1411. Cell-surface NCL has been recognised as a low-affinity co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) anchorage on target cells. Here we assessed the anti-HIV-1 properties and underlying mechanism of action of AS1411. The antiviral activity of AS1411 was determined towards different HIV-1 strains, host cells and at various times post-infection. Acutely, persistently and latently infected cells were tested, including HIV-1-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a healthy donor. Mechanistic studies to exclude modes of action other than virus binding via NCL were performed. AS1411 efficiently inhibited HIV-1 attachment/entry into the host cell. The aptamer displayed antiviral activity in the absence of cytotoxicity at the tested doses, therefore displaying a wide therapeutic window and favourable selectivity indexes. These findings, besides validating cell-surface-expressed NCL as an antiviral target, open the way for the possible use of AS1411 as a new potent and promisingly safe anti-HIV-1 agent.

Recent estimates suggest close to one million people per year die globally owing to HIV-related illnesses. Therefore, there is still a need to identify new targets to develop future treatments. Many of the more recently identified targets are host-related and these might be more difficult for the virus to develop drug resistance to. In addition, there are virus-related targets (capsid and RNAse H) that have yet to be exploited clinically. Several of the newer targets also address virulence factors, virus latency or target persistence. The targets highlighted in this review could represent the next generation of viable candidates for drug discovery projects as well as continue the search for a cure for this disease.

Inflammation is an integral component of autoimmune arthritis. The balance of pathogenic T helper 17 (Th17) and protective T regulatory (Treg) cells can influence disease severity, and its resetting offers an attractive approach to control autoimmunity. We determined the frequency of Th17 and Treg in the joints of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA), a model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We also investigated the impact of Celastrol, a bioactive compound from the traditional Chinese medicine Celastrus that can suppress AA, on Th17/Treg balance in the joints. Celastrol treatment reduced Th17 cells but increased Treg in the joints, and it inhibited Th17 differentiation but promoted Treg differentiation in vitro by blocking the activation of pSTAT3. Furthermore, Celastrol limited the production of Th17-differentiating cytokines and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5). Thus, Celastrol suppressed arthritis in part by altering Th17/Treg ratio in inflamed joints, and it should be tested as a potential adjunct/alternative for RA therapy.

Chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6)⁺CD4⁺ T cells are preferentially infected and depleted during HIV disease progression, but are preserved in non-progressors. CCR6 is expressed on a heterogeneous population of memory CD4⁺ T cells that are critical to mucosal immunity. Preferential infection of these cells is associated, in part, with high surface expression of CCR5, CXCR4, and α4β7. In addition, CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells harbor elevated levels of integrated viral DNA and high levels of proliferation markers. We have previously shown that the CCR6 ligands MIP-3α and human beta defensins inhibit HIV replication. The inhibition required CCR6 and the induction of APOBEC3G. Here, we further characterize the induction of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (APOBEC3G) by human beta defensin 2. Human beta defensin 2 rapidly induces transcriptional induction of APOBEC3G that involves extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and the transcription factors NFATc2, NFATc1, and IRF4. We demonstrate that human beta defensin 2 selectively protects primary CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells infected with HIV-1. The selective protection of CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cell subsets may be critical in maintaining mucosal immune function and preventing disease progression.

Increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 are detected in the sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and during the pathological pulmonary manifestations of HIV infection : To explore a potential interrelationship between smoking, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV immune status, we collected sputum samples, along with complete pulmonary function tests from groups of HIV-infected women smokers who were either on or off HAART. Analysis of the patient's sputum for cell count along with quantitative measures of IL-8 was performed and correlated with concurrent assessment of pulmonary function test (PFT). We found that HIV-positive smokers had decreased measurements on PFT of the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D(LCO)) compared to standard reference values that did not differ with HAART usage. HAART, when controlled for CD4, showed a suppressive effect on the levels of pro inflammatory cytokine IL-8 in sputum. We conclude that in the era of HAART, HIV along with concurrent tobacco smoking is associated with declines in PFT in HIV-infected women. The use of HAART in patients appears to mitigate the increases in IL-8 levels in relation to immune status based on CD4 count.

Lymphangiogenesis and concurrent angiogenesis are essential in supporting proliferation and survival of AIDS-related lymphomas, which are often metastatic. In vitro studies suggest a candidate angiogienic and lymphangiogenic factor encoded by HIV: the matrix protein p17. p17 accumulates in lymph nodes of patients even when they are undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy. p17 has been found to affect immune cells, and recent data showed that a variant p17, called S75X, induces cell growth by triggering MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. We tested the in vivo angiogenic activity of p17 by injecting it in Matrigel plugs in nude mice. Plugs were retrieved 7 days after injection, and assessed macroscopically, and by light and confocal microscopy. Our data revealed that both reference and S75X variant p17 promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Our results suggest that the induction of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis by HIV-1 p17 may generate a favorable microenvironment that could trigger tumor growth and maintenance. Moreover, the presence of adipocytes infiltration observed at the histological level suggests a possible interplay between angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and adipogenesis. These findings offer new opportunities for the development of treatment strategies to combat HIV-related cancers.

HIV infection increases the risk of many types of cancer, including lymphoma. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has reduced, but not eliminated, the risk of HIV-associated lymphoma. There has been a substantial shift in the subtypes of lymphoma observed in HIV-infected patients treated with cART. In this review, we will first outline these changes based on epidemiological studies and describe the impact of cART on lymphoma risk and mortality. Then, we will discuss some immunological factors that may contribute to the increased risk of lymphoma persisting after the administration of cART, including immunological non-response to therapy, chronic B-cell activation and dysfunction, T follicular helper cells, natural killer cells and altered lymphopoiesis. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of HIV-associated lymphoma under effective cART will inform future treatment strategies.