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Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Workflow for Discovery-Driven Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 20, 2020
Target Discovery for Host-Directed Antiviral Therapies: Application of Proteomics Approaches
Merve Cakir1,2,3,4, Kirsten Obernier1,2,3,4, Antoine Forget1,2,3,4
1Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
Abstract:
Current epidemics, such as AIDS or flu, and the emergence of new threatening pathogens, such as the one causing the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, represent major global health challenges. While vaccination is an important part of the arsenal to counter the spread of viral diseases, it presents limitations and needs to be complemented by efficient therapeutic solutions. Intricate knowledge of host-pathogen interactions is a powerful tool to identify host-dependent vulnerabilities that can be exploited to dampen viral replication. Such host-directed antiviral therapies are promising and are less prone to the development of drug-resistant viral strains. Here, we first describe proteomics-based strategies that allow the rapid characterization of host-pathogen interactions. We then discuss how such data can be exploited to help prioritize compounds with potential host-directed antiviral activity that can be tested in preclinical models.
Insights
Understanding host-pathogen interactions is key to developing new antiviral therapies. Proteomics helps identify host vulnerabilities to combat viral diseases like COVID-19, offering alternatives to vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Proteomics
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Viral epidemics and pandemics (e.g., AIDS, flu, COVID-19) pose significant global health threats.
- Vaccination is crucial but insufficient; effective therapeutic solutions are needed.
- Host-directed antiviral therapies offer a promising strategy to overcome limitations of traditional antivirals and vaccine resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of host-pathogen interactions in antiviral therapy development.
- To present proteomics-based strategies for rapid characterization of these interactions.
- To discuss the exploitation of host-dependency for identifying novel antiviral compounds.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing proteomics to analyze host-pathogen interactions.
- Characterizing host-dependent vulnerabilities exploited by viruses.
- Prioritizing compounds for host-directed antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- Proteomics enables rapid identification of host-pathogen interaction mechanisms.
- Host-directed strategies can identify vulnerabilities in viral replication.
- This approach facilitates the selection of drug candidates for preclinical testing.
Conclusions:
- Host-directed antiviral therapies are a vital complement to vaccines.
- Proteomics is a powerful tool for discovering new antiviral targets and drugs.
- Exploiting host-pathogen interactions offers a promising avenue for combating viral diseases.
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