Structure and Dynamics of Zika Virus Protease and Its Insights into Inhibitor Design.

ABSTRACT: Zika virus (ZIKV)-a member of the Flaviviridae family-is an important human pathogen. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that can be further processed into structural and non-structural proteins. ZIKV protease is an important target for antiviral development due to its role in cleaving the polyprotein to release functional viral proteins. The viral protease is a two-component protein complex formed by NS2B and NS3. Structural studies using different approaches demonstrate that conformational changes exist in the protease. The structures and dynamics of this protease in the absence and presence of inhibitors were explored to provide insights into the inhibitor design. The dynamic nature of residues binding to the enzyme cleavage site might be important for the function of the protease. Due to

SUBMITTER: Li Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8394600 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature