The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: The main proteases (M^pro), also termed 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases (3CL^pro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β-coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CL^pros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus-caused infectious diseases, including COVID-19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease M^pro (also known as 3CL^pro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro inhibitors,

SUBMITTER: Hu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9283855 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature