Inhibition of protein kinase D and its substrate phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase III beta blocks common human coronavirus replication

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the infection of a coronavirus, named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses can be replicated in the infected host cells. Coronavirus replication involves various steps, including membrane fusion, peri-nuclear particle formation, and matrix vesicle transport to the cell membrane via the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi-lysosome route. Recent studies have suggested that protein kinase D (PKD) plays a crucial role in regulation of vesicle formation and trafficking in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Thus, we hypothesize that inhibiting PKD and its associated pathway could be an effective strategy to limit viral replication. Here, we report that molecular and pharmacological inhibition of PKD and its substrate phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase III beta (PI4KIIIβ) significantly diminishes the replication of common human coronaviruses. Specifically, we found that the PKD-silencing siRNA and the PKD inhibitor CRT0066101 have broad-spectrum antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E in cultured cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that the deactivation of PKD reduced the activation of PI4KIIIβ, thereby blocking the transport of viral particles in the host cells. Furthermore, the PI4KIIIβ inhibitor, BQR695, also exhibited antiviral activity against those coronaviruses. In conclusion, PKD and its substrate, PI4KIIIβ, may serve as novel antiviral targets for human coronaviruses and warrant further investigation.

Importance: Human coronaviruses can lead to a range of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death, with a limited array of antiviral drugs available. Protein kinase D (PKD) is involved in various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and membrane fission of the Golgi apparatus. However, the specific role of PKD in the human coronavirus life cycle remains unclear. In this study, we found that PKD inhibitors effectively attenuated human coronavirus replication at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) stage in the viral life cycle. Furthermore, inhibiting PKD reduced PI4KIIIβ activation, thereby blocking viral replication in the host cells. Importantly, PI4KIIIβ inhibitors also blocked human coronavirus replication. Thus, PKD may represent a promising therapeutic target against both current circulating and future emerging coronaviruses.