Views on Structure-based design of antiviral drug candidates targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease by Dai et al. (2020)

Abstract

Chiappelli argues that the article by Dai and colleagues is an informative piece of writing on the main protease (Mpro, i.e., 3C-like protease, 3-CLpro; E.C.3.4.22.69) of SARS-CoV2, the virus responsible for CoViD-19. Mpro is a cysteine protease enzyme key for the replication and transcription of SARS Corona viral genome. The X-ray structures of the unliganded protease and its complex with an a-ketoamide inhibitor, were the basis for design of a-ketoamide inhibitors for a treatment of SARS-CoV infection a decade ago. He said that it is an experimental study, with a small Phase 0 trial component on a laboratory-manufactured compound that blocks the replication of SARS-CoV2, the virus responsible for the CoViD-19 pandemic. The study is important because it is foundational for the development of specific anti-SARS-CoV2 drugs. It has limited immediate value due to lack thereof, on human cells in vitro.