ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus spreading worldwide urges the need to repurpose drugs that can quickly enter clinical trials to combat the on-going global pandemic. A cluster of proteins are encoded for by the viral genome, each assuming a critical role in pathogen endurance inside the host. To handle the adverse circumstances, robust virtual strategies such as repurposing are coming to the fore due to being economical, efficient and rapid. Five FDA approved repurposed drugs proposed to act as inhibitors by targeting SARS-CoV-2 were used for initial evaluation via molecular docking. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the selected SARS-CoV-2 proteins against five ligands (Clemizole hydrochloride, Exemestane, Nafamostat, Pregnenolone and Umifenovir) was designed. In this regard, non-structural proteins (nsp3, nsp5, nsp10, nsp12 and nsp15), structural proteins (Spike, Nucleocapsid protein) and accessory proteins (ORF 3a, ORF 7a and ORF 9 b) were selected. Here, we aim to expedite the search for a potential drug from the five FDA approved repurposing drugs already in use for treatment of multiple diseases. Based on docking analysis, Umifenovir and Pregnenolone are suggested to show potential inhibitory effects against most of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins. These drugs are noteworthy since they exhibit high binding towards target proteins and should be used as lead compounds towards in vitro and in vivo studies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
ABSTRACT
The world has faced the challenges of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for the last two years, first diagnosed at the end of 2019 in Wuhan and widely distributed worldwide. As a result, the WHO has proclaimed the illness brought on by this virus to be a global pandemic. To combat COVID-19, researcher communities continuously develop and implement rapid diagnoses, safe and effective vaccinations and other alternative therapeutic procedures. However, synthetic drug-related side effects and high costs have piqued scientists' interest in natural product-based therapies and medicines. In this regard, antiviral substances derived from natural resources and some medicines have seen a boom in popularity. For instance, algae are a rich source of compounds such as lectins and sulfated polysaccharides, which have potent antiviral and immunity-boosting properties. Moreover, Algae-derived compounds or metabolites can be used as antibodies and vaccine raw materials against COVID-19. Furthermore, some algal species can boost immunity, reduce viral activity in humans and be recommended for usage as a COVID-19 preventative measure. However, this field of study is still in its early stages of development. Therefore, this review addresses critical characteristics of algal metabolites, their antioxidant potential and therapeutic potential in COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been established now to be a deadly disease afflicting the whole world with worst consequences on healthcare, economy and day-to-day life activities. Being a communicable disease, which is highly pathogenic in humans, causing cough, throat infection, breathing problems, high fever, muscle pain, and may lead to death in some cases especially those having other comorbid conditions such as heart or kidney problems, and diabetes. Finding an appropriate drug and vaccine candidate against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains an ultimate and immediate goal for the global scientific community. Based on previous studies in the literature on SARS-CoV infection, there are a number of drugs that may inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its infection. Such drugs comprise of inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2), nonstructural protein 3C-like protease, nonstructural RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and many more. The antiviral drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and ritonavir as inhibitors for HIV protease, nucleotide analogue remdesivir, and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are available to treat the SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Therefore, this review article is planned to gain insight into the mechanism for blocking the entry of SARS-CoV-2, its validation, other inhibition mechanisms, and development of therapeutic drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.