Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) As Anti-Coronavirus Agents

Overview

Journal Biomolecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Jul 27

PMID 39062511

Authors

Agnieszka Zagorska

Anna Czopek

Monika Fryc

Jakub Jonczyk

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential enzyme that plays a critical part in the virus's life cycle, making it a significant target for developing antiviral drugs. The inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro has emerged as a promising approach for developing therapeutic agents to treat COVID-19. This review explores the structure of the Mpro protein and analyzes the progress made in understanding protein-ligand interactions of Mpro inhibitors. It focuses on binding kinetics, origin, and the chemical structure of these inhibitors. The review provides an in-depth analysis of recent clinical trials involving covalent and non-covalent inhibitors and emerging dual inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. By integrating findings from the literature and ongoing clinical trials, this review captures the current state of research into Mpro inhibitors, offering a comprehensive understanding of challenges and directions in their future development as anti-coronavirus agents. This information provides new insights and inspiration for medicinal chemists, paving the way for developing more effective Mpro inhibitors as novel COVID-19 therapies.

Citing Articles

The zymogenic form of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: A discrete target for drug discovery.

Novotny P, Humpolickova J, Novakova V, Stanchev S, Strisovsky K, Zgarbova M J Biol Chem. 2024; 301(1):108079.

PMID: 39675720 PMC: 11773056. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.108079.

Advances in the Search for SARS-CoV-2 M and PL Inhibitors.

Diogo M, Cabral A, de Oliveira R Pathogens. 2024; 13(10).

PMID: 39452697 PMC: 11510351. DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13100825.

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