Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) autocatalytically releases itself out of the viral polyprotein to form a fully active mature dimer in a manner that is not fully understood. Here, we introduce several tools to help elucidate differences between cis (intramolecular) and trans (intermolecular) proteolytic processing and to evaluate inhibition of precursor Mpro. We found that many mutations at the P1 position of the N-terminal autoprocessing site do not block cis autoprocessing but do inhibit trans processing. Notably, substituting the WT glutamine at the P1 position with isoleucine retains Mpro in an unprocessed precursor form that can be purified and further studied. We also developed a cell-based reporter assay suitable for compound library screening and evaluation in HEK293T cells. This assay can detect both overall Mpro inhibition and the fraction of uncleaved precursor form of Mpro through separable fluorescent signals. We observed that inhibitory compounds preferentially block mature Mpro. Bofutrelvir and a novel compound designed in-house showed the lowest selectivity between precursor and mature Mpro, indicating that inhibition of both forms may be possible. Additionally, we observed positive modulation of precursor activity at low concentrations of inhibitors. Our findings help expand understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle and may facilitate development of strategies to target precursor form of Mpro for inhibition or premature activation of Mpro.

• MeSH
• antivirové látky * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• farmakoterapie COVID-19 MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• inhibitory proteas farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• koronavirové proteasy 3C * metabolismus   antagonisté a inhibitory   chemie   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• objevování léků * metody   MeSH
• proteolýza MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * enzymologie   účinky léků   metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The glycoprotein clusterin (CLU) is involved in cell proliferation and DNA damage repair and is highly expressed in tumor cells. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of CLU dysregulation on two human astrocytic cell lines: CCF-STTG1 astrocytoma cells and SV-40 immortalized normal human astrocytes. We observed that suppression of CLU expression by RNA interference inhibited cell proliferation, triggered the DNA damage response, and resulted in cellular senescence in both cell types tested. To further investigate the underlying mechanism behind these changes, we measured reactive oxygen species, assessed mitochondrial function, and determined selected markers of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Our results suggest that CLU deficiency triggers oxidative stress-mediated cellular senescence associated with pronounced alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass, and expression levels of OXPHOS complex I, II, III and IV, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. This report shows the important role of CLU in cell cycle maintenance in astrocytes. Based on these data, targeting CLU may serve as a potential therapeutic approach valuable for treating gliomas.

• MeSH
• astrocyty * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• klusterin * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránový potenciál mitochondrií * fyziologie   MeSH
• mitochondrie * metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• oxidační stres fyziologie   MeSH
• oxidativní fosforylace MeSH
• poškození DNA MeSH
• proliferace buněk * MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• stárnutí buněk * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Present study was aimed to develop an efficient microbial consortium for combating Alternaria blight disease in cumin. The research involved isolating biocontrol agents against Alternaria burnsii, characterizing their biocontrol and growth promotion traits, and assessing compatibility. A pot experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2022-2023 to evaluate the bioefficacy of four biocontrol agents (1F, 16B, 31B, and 223B) individually and in consortium, focusing on disease severity, plant growth promotion, and defense responses in cumin challenged with A. burnsii. Microbial isolates 1F, 16B, 31B, and 223B significantly inhibited A. burnsii growth in dual plate assays (~ 86%), displaying promising biocontrol and plant growth promotion activities. They were identified as Trichoderma afroharzianum 1F, Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus 16B, Pseudomonas lalkuanensis 31B, and Bacillus licheniformis 223B, respectively. The excellent compatibility was observed among all selected biocontrol agents. Cumin plants treated with consortia of 1F + 16B + 31B + 223B showed least percent disease index (32.47%) and highest percent disease control (64.87%). Consortia of biocontrol agents significantly enhanced production of secondary metabolites (total phenol, flavonoids, antioxidant, and tannin) and activation of antioxidant-defense enzymes (POX, PPOX, CAT, SOD, PAL, and TAL) compared to individual biocontrol treatment and infected control. Moreover, consortium treatments effectively reduced electrolyte leakage over the individual biocontrol agent and infected control treatment. The four-microbe consortium significantly enhanced chlorophyll (154%), carotenoid content (88%), plant height (78.77%), dry weight (72.81%), and seed yield (104%) compared to infected control. Based on these findings, this environmentally friendly four-microbe consortium may be recommended for managing Alternaria blight in cumin.

• MeSH
• Alternaria * růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• biologická ochrana MeSH
• Cuminum * mikrobiologie   imunologie   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• mikrobiální společenstva * MeSH
• nemoci rostlin * mikrobiologie   prevence a kontrola   imunologie   MeSH
• odolnost vůči nemocem MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare and debilitating, systemic, autoimmune disease. While heterogenous in presentation and severity, DM is primarily characterised by a spectrum of skin and muscle disease, which may include proximal muscle weakness and recalcitrant cutaneous eruptions. DM may also be associated with joint pain and stiffness, inflammatory arthritis, dysphagia, fatigue, and calcinosis. The current standard of care for DM includes glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Unfortunately, these medications are not uniformly effective and can lead to adverse events, particularly with chronic use, necessitating discontinuation of therapy. Therefore, a substantial unmet need exists for more tailored and efficacious therapies that target DM pathogenesis. Brepocitinib is an oral, once-daily, novel, and specific TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor. Brepocitinib's potent inhibition of TYK2 and JAK1 reduces the signalling of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-α/β, IL-12, IL-23, and IFNγ, that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of DM. Other JAK inhibitors have been used off-label in both case series and open-label clinical trials in patients with DM; and brepocitinib has demonstrated efficacy in phase 2 clinical trials of several other autoimmune diseases, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, and ulcerative colitis. Therefore, there is a strong scientific and clinical rationale for the utility and potential effectiveness of brepocitinib in the treatment of DM patients. Currently, the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of brepocitinib is being evaluated in the largest (n=225) double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in DM patients to date (VALOR - NCT0543726).

• MeSH
• dermatomyozitida * farmakoterapie   diagnóza   imunologie   MeSH
• inhibitory proteinkinas * terapeutické užití   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Janus kinasa 1 * antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• kinasa TYK2 * antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• signální transdukce účinky léků   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Danikopan je selektivní inhibitor faktoru D komplementu, který působí přes alternativní cestu aktivace komplementu. Blokádou alternativní dráhy komplementu danikopan inhibuje extravaskulární hemolýzu (EVH). Účinnost a bezpečnost danikopanu u dospělých pacientů s paroxyzmální noční hemoglobinurií (PNH) s klinicky významnou EVH byly hodnoceny v multicentrické, randomizované, dvojitě zaslepené, placebem kontrolované studii fáze 3 ALXN2040-PNH-301. Danikopan přidaný k ravulizumabu nebo ekulizumabu prokázal superioritu v primárním cílovém parametru zvýšení hladiny hemoglobinu oproti placebu. Danikopan také dosáhl statisticky významného zlepšení ve srovnání s placebem u všech 4 sekundárních cílových parametrů, které byly podíl pacientů se zvýšením hladiny hemoglobinu o ≥ 20 g/l, počet pacientů bez potřeby transfuze, změna ve skóre únavy podle FACIT a změna absolutního počtu retikulocytů. Kombinace léčby danikopanem s inhibitory terminální fáze komplentu C5 stabilizuje i primární intravaskulární hemolýzu danou základním onemocněním PNH. Danikopan je indikován jako přídatná léčba k ravulizumabu nebo ekulizumabu k léčbě dospělých pacientů s paroxyzmální noční hemoglobinurií, kteří mají reziduální hemolytickou anémii.

Danicopan is a selective inhibitor of complement factor D that acts through the alternative pathway of complement activation. By blocking the alternative pathway of complement, danikopan inhibits extravascular hemolysis (EVH). The efficacy and safety of danikopan in adult PNH patients with clinically significant EVH were evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study ALXN2040-PNH-301. Danicopan added to ravulizumab or eculizumab demonstrated superiority over placebo in the primary endpoint of increase in hemoglobin levels. Danicopan also achieved statistically significant improvements compared to placebo in all 4 secondary endpoints, which were the proportion of patients with an increase in hemoglobin levels of ≥ 20 g/L, the number of patients without a transfusion, the change in FACIT fatigue score, and the change in absolute reticulocyte count. The combination of danicopan treatment with C5 terminal phase inhibitors also stabilizes primary intravascular hemolysis due to the underlying PNH disease. Danicopan is indicated as an add-on therapy to ravulizumab or eculizumab for the treatment of adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who have residual hemolytic anemia.

• Klíčová slova
• danikopan,
• MeSH
• komplement - faktor D antagonisté a inhibitory   farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• paroxysmální hemoglobinurie * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

Depresivní a úzkostné poruchy představují významnou zátěž pro primární péči, přičemž poptávka po účinné a dobře tolerované léčbě stále roste. Souhrnný článek shrnuje současné poznatky o trazodonu - multifunkčním antidepresivu ze skupiny SARI, které kombinuje inhibici zpětného vychytávání serotoninu s antagonismem receptoru 5 HT2A. Přehled se zaměřuje na farmakodynamiku a farmakokinetiku léčiva, jeho antidepresivní, anxiolytické a sedativní vlastnosti i potenciální neuroprotektivní účinky. Klinická data dokládají srovnatelnou účinnost s SSRI/SNRI v léčbě velké depresivní poruchy a prokazují přínos u generalizované úzkostné poruchy, insomnie a chronické neuropatické bolesti. Nízké dávky (25-100 mg) se využívají ke zlepšení spánku, zatímco antidepresivní účinek vyžaduje titraci na 150-300 mg denně. Díky relativně příznivému profilu sexuálních nežádoucích účinků a nízké anticholinergní aktivitě je trazodon vhodný i pro starší polymorbidní pacienty. Článek diskutuje praktické aspekty preskripce v ordinaci praktického lékaře, možnosti kombinace s dalšími psychofarmaky a upozorňuje na klíčová bezpečnostní rizika, zejména ortostatickou hypotenzi, prodloužení QT intervalu a vzácný priapismus. Správná volba dávky, postupná titrace a edukace pacienta jsou nezbytné pro maximalizaci terapeutického přínosu a minimalizaci rizik této léčby.

Depressive and anxiety disorders represent a significant burden on primary care, and demand for effective and well-tolerated treatments continues to grow. This article summarises current knowledge of trazodone, a multifunctional antidepressant from the SARI group that combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with HT2A receptor 5 antagonism. This review focuses on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug, its antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sedative properties as well as its potential neuroprotective effects. Clinical data demonstrate comparable efficacy to SSRI/SNRIs in the treatment of major depressive disorder and demonstrate benefit in generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and chronic neuropathic pain. Low doses (25-100 mg) are used to improve sleep, while the antidepressant effect requires titration to 150-300 mg daily. The relatively favourable sexual side effect profile and low anticholinergic activity make trazodone suitable for elderly polymorbid patients. The article discusses the practicalities of prescribing in the general practitioner's office and options for combination with other psychopharmaceuticals. It also highlights key safety risks, particularly orthostatic hypotension, QT interval prolongation, and rare priapism. Proper dose selection, gradual titration, and patient education are essential to maximize the therapeutic benefit and minimize the risks of this treatment.

• MeSH
• depresivní poruchy farmakoterapie   MeSH
• duševní poruchy farmakoterapie   MeSH
• kombinovaná farmakoterapie metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• trazodon * aplikace a dávkování   farmakologie   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• úzkostné poruchy farmakoterapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

Bimekizumab je humanizovaná monoklonální protilátka (imunoglobulin typu G1, IgG1), která selektivně a silně inhibuje interleukin (IL) 17A i 17F a je účinnější při potlačování prozánětlivých cytokinů in vitro ve srovnání s inhibicí samotných IL-17A nebo IL-17F. Podle výsledků z klinických studií fáze III BE OPTIMAL a BE COMPLETE duální inhibice IL-17A a IL-17F bimekizumabem vede k většímu zlepšení kloubních a kožních výsledků ve srovnání s placebem u pacientů s aktivní psoriatickou artritidou naivních vůči biologickým chorobu modifikujícím lékům (biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, bDMARD) nebo s předchozí nedostatečnou odpovědí nebo na inhibici tumor nekrotizujícího faktoru (TNF) nebo s intolerancí inhibice TNF. Po 16 týdnech dosáhlo 50% zlepšení podle klasifikačních kritérií American College of Rheumatology (ACR50) více pacientů v léčebných skupinách než ve skupinách s placebem (44 % oproti 10 % ve studii BE OPTIMAL; 43 % oproti 7 % ve studii BE COMPLETE). Bezpečnostní profil bimekizumabu byl konzistentní s předchozími zprávami.

Bimekizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively and potently inhibits both interleukin (IL) 17A and 17F and is more effective at suppressing proinflammatory cytokines in vitro compared with inhibition of IL-17A or IL-17F alone. Dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F with bimekizumab leads to superior improvements in joint and skin outcomes compared with placebo in patients with active psoriatic arthritis who are either naive to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) or who have had a previous inadequate response or intolerance to TNF inhibition, according to results from the BE OPTIMAL and BE COMPLETE phase III clinical trials. At 16 weeks, more patients reached 50% improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria (ACR50) response in the treatment groups than in the placebo groups (44 % versus 10 % for the BE OPTIMAL trial; 43 % versus 7 % for the BE COMPLETE trial). The safety profile of bimekizumab was consistent with previous reports.

The mechanisms governing the abscopal effects of local radiotherapy in cancer patients remain an open conundrum. Here, we show that off-target intestinal low-dose irradiation (ILDR) increases the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy in eight retrospective cohorts of cancer patients and in tumor-bearing mice. The abscopal effects of ILDR depend on dosimetry (≥1 and ≤3 Gy) and on the metabolic and immune host-microbiota interaction at baseline allowing CD8+ T cell activation without exhaustion. Various strains of Christensenella minuta selectively boost the anti-cancer efficacy of ILDR and PD-L1 blockade, allowing emigration of intestinal PD-L1-expressing dendritic cells to tumor-draining lymph nodes. An interventional phase 2 study provides the proof-of-concept that ILDR can circumvent resistance to first- or second-line immunotherapy in cancer patients. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to define optimal dosimetry and indications for ILDR to maximize its therapeutic potential.

• MeSH
• antigeny CD274 * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   imunologie   MeSH
• CD8-pozitivní T-lymfocyty imunologie   MeSH
• imunoterapie metody   MeSH
• inhibitory kontrolních bodů * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádory imunologie   radioterapie   terapie   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• střeva patologie   účinky záření   MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) are two important members of the Tec family with crucial roles in immune system function. Deregulation in ITK and BTK activity is linked to several hematological malignancies, making them key targets for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we synthesized a series of azaspirooxindolinone derivatives and evaluated their cytotoxic activity against ITK/BTK-negative and positive cancer cell lines, followed by enzymatic inhibition studies to assess the ITK/BTK kinase selectivity of two hit compounds. Several compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against ITK- or BTK-expressing cells. Compound 3d exhibited high cytotoxicity in ITK-positive Jurkat (IC50 = 3.58 μM) and BTK-positive Ramos (IC50 = 3.06 μM) cells, while compound 3j showed strong cytotoxicity in Ramos (IC50 = 1.38 μM) and Jurkat (IC50 = 4.16 μM) cells. Compounds 3a and 3e were selectively cytotoxic in Jurkat cells (IC50 = 9.36 μM and 10.85 μM, respectively), while compounds 3f and 3g were highly cytotoxic in Ramos cells (IC50 = 1.82 μM and 1.42 μM, respectively). None of the active compounds exhibited cytotoxicity in non-cancer cell lines (IC50 > 50 μM), demonstrating their selectivity for malignant cells. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that 3d is a selective ITK inhibitor (IC50 = 0.91 μM) with no detectable BTK inhibition, aligning with its strong activity in ITK-positive cells. In contrast, compound 3j did not inhibit ITK or BTK enzymatically, suggesting an alternative mechanism of action. These findings highlight 3d as a promising ITK inhibitor and warrant further investigation to elucidate its mechanism of action.

• MeSH
• inhibitory proteinkinas * farmakologie   chemická syntéza   chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• oxindoly farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• proteinkinasa BTK * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• protinádorové látky * farmakologie   chemická syntéza   chemie   MeSH
• racionální návrh léčiv * MeSH
• screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv * MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
• spirosloučeniny chemie   farmakologie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• tyrosinkinasy * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION: A critical step preceding the potential biomedical application of nanoparticles is the evaluation of their immunomodulatory effects. Such nanoparticles are expected to enter the bloodstream where they can be recognized and processed by circulating monocytes. Despite the required biocompatibility, this interaction can affect intracellular homeostasis and modulate physiological functions, particularly inflammation. This study focuses on titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an example of relatively low cytotoxic nanoparticles with potential biomedical use and aims to evaluate their possible modulatory effects on the inflammasome-based response in human primary monocytes. METHODS: Monocyte viability, phenotypic changes, and cytokine production were determined after exposure to TiO2 (diameter, 25 nm; P25) alone. In the case of the modulatory effects, we focused on NLRP3 activation. The production of IL-1β and IL-10 was evaluated after (a) simultaneous activation of monocytes with bacterial stimuli muramyl dipeptide (MDP), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TiO2 (co-exposure model), (b) prior activation with TiO2 alone and subsequent exposure to bacterial stimuli MDP or LPS. The differentiation of TiO2-treated monocytes into macrophages and their polarization were also assessed. RESULTS: The selected TiO2 concentration range (30-120 μg/mL) did not induce any significant cytotoxic effects. The highest dose of TiO2 promoted monocyte survival and differentiation into macrophages, with the M2 subset being the most prevalent. Nanoparticles alone did not induce substantial production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α. The immunomodulatory effect on NLRP3 depended on the type of costimulant used. While co-exposure of monocytes to MDP and TiO2 boosted NLRP3 activity, co-exposure to LPS and TiO2 inhibited NLRP3 by enhancing IL-10 release. The inhibitory effect of TiO2 on NLRP3 based on the promotion of IL-10 was confirmed in a post-exposure model for both costimulants. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed a non-negligible modulatory effect on primary monocytes in their inflammasome-based response and differentiation ability.

• MeSH
• acetylmuramyl-alanyl-isoglutamin farmakologie   MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace účinky léků   MeSH
• cytokiny metabolismus   MeSH
• inflamasomy účinky léků   MeSH
• interleukin-10 metabolismus   MeSH
• interleukin-1beta metabolismus   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipopolysacharidy * farmakologie   MeSH
• makrofágy účinky léků   MeSH
• monocyty * účinky léků   MeSH
• nanočástice chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• protein NLRP3 * metabolismus   MeSH
• titan * chemie   farmakologie   toxicita   MeSH
• viabilita buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH