US Scientists discover small molecules that can block novel coronavirus
A set of small molecules that can block the activity of a key protein in coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is discovered by scientists, a finding that supplies an encouraging path for new therapies for the COVID-19. The study is published in ACS Infectious Diseases.
The protein PLpro in SARS-CoV-2 is vital for the replication as well as the ability of the virus to decrease host immunity, according to the researchers at the University of Georgia, the United States.
As per the research, Naphthalene-based PLpro inhibitors are shown to be effective at halting the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro activity in addition to stopping multiplication.
Inhibitors designed to stop the replication of the virus and inactivate PLpro was discovered by the researchers.
Initially, a set of compounds uncovered 12 years earlier was used for the study and shown to be effective against SARS, however, since SARS didn’t come back, the development was terminated.
Scott Pegan, a professor at UGA said, “Evidently now we see the current coronavirus – SARS-CoV-2 is possibly going to be with us for a while – if not this one, then probably other strains of the virus”.
He added, “These compounds are
an excellent starting point for developing treatment. They have a background of not being considered for adverse effects and have all the properties you would typically wish to find in a medication”.The scientists claimed, the compounds offer a prospective rapid development method to produce PLpro-targeted treatment for usage against COVID-19.
Pegan said, “The type of small molecules is some of the first that are specifically developed for this protease of coronavirus“.
He added, “Up till now, most therapeutic work against SARS has actually targeted C3Lpro – an additional virulence factor. This is a terrific beginning with a different target. The wish that we can turn this into a starting factor for developing medicine that we can get in front of the FDA”.
Author: Sruthi S
