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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) entry inhibitors targeting spike protein

Shuai Xia1, Qi Liu2, Qian Wang1

  • 1Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.

Virus Research
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) poses a global health threat. Research focuses on MERS-CoV spike protein inhibitors for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak presents a significant global public health risk.
  • High case fatality rates necessitate urgent development of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on MERS-CoV spike protein structure and function.
  • To discuss the development of novel MERS-CoV entry/fusion inhibitors targeting key protein subunits.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of recent research on MERS-CoV spike protein structure, focusing on the S1 subunit (receptor-binding domain) and S2 subunit (HR1 region).
  • Review of emerging MERS-CoV entry/fusion inhibitors designed to block viral binding and entry.

Main Results:

  • The MERS-CoV spike protein's structure, particularly the S1 and S2 subunits, is crucial for viral entry.
  • Development of inhibitors targeting the S1 receptor-binding domain and S2 HR1 region shows promise.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting MERS-CoV entry and fusion mechanisms offers a viable therapeutic strategy.
  • Combination therapies involving entry inhibitors and replication inhibitors may enhance MERS-CoV treatment and prevention.
Keywords:
Entry inhibitorFusion inhibitorMERS-CoVMiddle East respiratory syndrome coronavirusReceptor-binding domainSix-helix bundle

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