Structural similarities between SARS-CoV2 3CL^pro and other viral proteases suggest potential lead molecules for developing broad spectrum antivirals.

ABSTRACT: Considering the significant impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, development of broad-spectrum antivirals is a high priority goal to prevent future global pandemics. Antiviral development processes generally emphasize targeting a specific protein from a particular virus. However, some antiviral agents developed for specific viral protein targets may exhibit broad spectrum antiviral activity, or at least provide useful lead molecules for broad spectrum drug development. There is significant potential for repurposing a wide range of existing viral protease inhibitors to inhibit the SARS-CoV2 3C-like protease (3CL^pro). If effective even as relatively weak inhibitors of 3CL^pro, these molecules can provide a diverse and novel set of scaffolds for new drug discovery camp

SUBMITTER: Bafna K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9638714 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature