The compound UMB18 (multi-color) binds to the 3D structure of the SKI protein complex shown in silver. Credit: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Research could accelerate efforts to develop new antiviral drugs to fight the flu, Ebola and novel coronavirus. COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Medicine (UMSOM) and School Pharma Pharmacy (UMSOP) have discovered drug compounds for possible treatment of the novel coronavirus that causes COVD-19. The compounds disrupt the functioning of protein complexes within human cells, which the researchers found to be important for the replication and survival of coronaviruses. The discovery could lead to the development of new broad-spectrum antiviral drugs targeting viruses such as influenza, Ebola and coronavirus, according to a new study published today. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Journal.
The protein complex, called the SKI complex, is a group of human proteins that control various aspects of normal cell function. In a new study, researchers found that the complex would also play a key role in helping to mimic the genetic material of the virus. RNA, Inside those infected cells.
“We have decided that SKI Disrupting the complex replicates the virus on its own, which inevitably destroys it, ”says the corresponding study, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at USMOM. “We also identified compounds targeting the SKI complex, not only preventing coronavirus, but also influenza viruses and philoviruses, such as Ebola.”
His colleagues at the School Pharma Pharmacy’s Computer-Aided Drug Design Center and UMSOM’s Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, SKI. Used computer modeling to identify the binding site on the complex and identify chemical compounds that may be attached to this site. Subsequent experimental analysis showed that these compounds had antiviral activity against coronavirus, influenza virus, and philovirus (such as Ebola). Researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also participated in the study.
The study was funded by MD’s Gathersburg-based biopharmaceutical company Emergent Biosolutions.
“These findings represent an important first step in identifying potential new antivirals that could be used to treat a large number of fatal infectious diseases,” said Stuart Weston, lead author of the study, a PhD research fellow at MMS. Such drugs are likely to treat infectious diseases associated with future epidemics. Further steps include animal studies to learn more about the safety and efficacy of these experimental compounds, which are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
In other research efforts funded by the federal government, Dr. F. Freeman and his team quickly tested hundreds of drugs approved and marketed for other conditions, to see if COVID-19 could be prevented or replaced. is coming.
Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs, U.M. Baltimore and MBA, m. “As we face potentially long and harsh winters with COVID-19, our researchers continue their relentless efforts to advance innovations,” said Albert Reese, MD. John Z. And Akiko that. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Fundamental research is an important part of this effort to prepare us for the next global epidemic.”
References: Stuart Weston, Lure Ren Baraco, Chloe Keller, Crystal Mathews, Marissa E. “The SKI complex is a broad-spectrum, host-directed antiviral drug target for coronaviruses, influenza, and phylloviruses,” said McLagra, James Log, Jenny Liang. B. Jahrling, Wenbo U, Alexander D. M. K. Jr., and Matthew B. Freeman, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
DOI: 10.1073 / PNAS.202939117
