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Structure-guided design affirms inhibitors of hepatitis C virus p7 as a viable class of antivirals targeting virion release

Foster, TL, Thompson, GS, Kalverda, AP, Kankanala, J, Bentham, M, Wetherill, LF, Thompson, J, Barker, AM, Clarke, D, Noerenberg, M, and others. (2014) Structure-guided design affirms inhibitors of hepatitis C virus p7 as a viable class of antivirals targeting virion release. Hepatology, 59 . pp. 408-422. ISSN 0270-9139. (doi:10.1002/hep.26685) (KAR id:71805)

Abstract

Current interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is inadequate, prompting a shift toward combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) with the first protease-targeted drugs licensed in 2012. Many compounds are in the pipeline yet primarily target only three viral proteins, namely, NS3/4A protease, NS5B polymerase, and NS5A. With concerns growing over resistance, broadening the repertoire for DAA targets is a major priority. Here we describe the complete structure of the HCV p7 protein as a monomeric hairpin, solved using a novel combination of chemical shift and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE)-based methods. This represents atomic resolution information for a full-length virus-coded ion channel, or “viroporin,” whose essential functions represent a clinically proven class of antiviral target exploited previously for influenza A virus therapy. Specific drug-protein interactions validate an allosteric site on the channel periphery and its relevance is demonstrated by the selection of novel, structurally diverse inhibitory small molecules with nanomolar potency in culture. Hit compounds represent a 10,000-fold improvement over prototypes, suppress rimantadine resistance polymorphisms at submicromolar concentrations, and show activity against other HCV genotypes. Conclusion: This proof-of-principle that structure-guided design can lead to drug-like molecules affirms p7 as a much-needed new target in the burgeoning era of HCV DAA.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/hep.26685
Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology (Living systems) > QP517 Biochemistry
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Gary Thompson
Date Deposited: 23 Jan 2019 21:05 UTC
Last Modified: 30 May 2019 08:47 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/71805 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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