Scientific Breakthroughs

In silico screening of known small molecules to bind ACE2 specific RBD on Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 for repurposing against COVID-19 [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

Background: Human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a pandemic with significant morbidity and mortality. As no effective novel drugs are available currently, drug repurposing is an alternative intervention strategy. Here we present an in silico drug repurposing study that implements successful concepts of computer-aided drug design (CADD) technology for repurposing known drugs to interfere with viral cellular entry via the spike glycoprotein (SARS-CoV-2-S), which mediates host cell entry via the hACE2 receptor.

Methods: A total of 4015 known and approved small molecules were screened for interaction with SARS-CoV-2-S through docking studies and 15 lead molecules were shortlisted. Additionally, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) were selected based on their reported anti-viral activity, safety, availability and affordability. The 18 molecules were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.

Results: The MD simulation results indicate that GA of plant origin may be repurposed for SARS-CoV-2 intervention, pending further studies.

Conclusions: Repurposing is a beneficial strategy for treating COVID-19 with existing drugs. It is aimed at using docking studies to screen molecules for clinical application and investigating their efficacy in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2-S. SARS-CoV-2-S is a key pathogenic protein that mediates pathogen-host interaction. Hence, the molecules screened for inhibitory properties against SARS-CoV-2-S can be clinically used to treat COVID-19 since the safety profile is already known

Source: F1000Research 2020, 9:663 Last updated: 04 AUG 2020

PHYTOCHEMICAL TO INTERACT WITH NLS BINDING SITE ON IMA3 TO INHIBIT IMPORTIN Α/Β1 MEDIATED NUCLEAR IMPORT OF SARS-COV-2 CARGO

Abstract

Objective:

Ivermectin is an FDA-approved, broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent. It was originally identified as an inhibitor of interaction between the human 29 immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) integrase protein (IN) and the Importin (IMP) α/β1 30 heterodimers, which are responsible for IN nuclear import. Recent studies demonstrate that ivermectin is worthy of further consideration as a possible SARS-CoV-2 antiviral.

Methods:

We built the pathogen-host interactome and analyzed, it using PHISTO. We compared Ivermectin and plant molecules for their interaction with Importin α3 (IMA3) using molecular docking studies.

Results:

A phytochemical ATRI001 with the lowest binding energy-7.290 Kcal/mol was found to be superior to Ivermectin with binding energy-4.946 Kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

ATRI001 may be a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent; however, it requires clinical evaluation.

Keywords:  Ivermectin, SARS-CoV-2, IMA3, Phytochemical and Molecular docking

Source: International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Print ISSN: 2656-0097 | Online ISSN: 0975-1491, Vol 12, Issue 8, 202