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A Multi-Targeting Approach to Fight SARS-CoV-2 Attachment
Luciano Pirone1, Annarita Del Gatto1,2, Sonia Di Gaetano1,2
1Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Naples, Italy.
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|August 28, 2020
Summary
A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic requires novel therapeutics. Targeting multiple sites on the spike protein, including ACE2, integrins, and sugars, may offer a more effective treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitates urgent development of effective therapeutic agents.
- The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein is a critical target for medical countermeasures.
- ACE2 binding alone may not fully explain SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, prompting investigation into additional viral targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel therapeutic targets on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- To explore the potential of targeting multiple sites for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Localization of a ganglioside binding site within the galectin-like domain of the S protein.
- Identification of putative integrin binding sites within the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S protein.
Main Results:
- A novel ganglioside binding site was precisely located in the galectin-like domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein.
- Putative integrin binding sites were identified in the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein.
Conclusions:
- Targeting ACE2, integrins, and sugars simultaneously presents a promising strategy for a cooperating therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
- This multi-target approach could lead to more effective medical countermeasures and new therapeutic avenues.
