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Restriction of SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Targeting Programmed -1 Ribosomal Frameshifting In Vitro
Yu Sun1, Laura Abriola2, Yulia V Surovtseva2
1Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Translation of open reading frame 1b (ORF1b) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) promoted by an RNA pseudoknot. The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 replication may be sensitive to changes in -1 PRF efficiency is currently unknown. Through an unbiased, reporter-based high-throughput compound screen, we identified merafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial, as a -1 PRF inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. Frameshift inhibition by merafloxacin is robust to mutations within the pseudoknot region and is similarly effective on -1 PRF of other beta coronaviruses. Importantly, frameshift inhibition by merafloxacin substantially impedes SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells, thereby providing the proof of principle of targeting -1 PRF as an effective antiviral strategy for SARS-CoV-2.
Insights
Merafloxacin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF), a key step in viral replication. This discovery offers a new antiviral strategy targeting -1 PRF in coronaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) translation relies on programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF).
- The RNA pseudoknot is essential for promoting -1 PRF in SARS-CoV-2.
- The impact of altered -1 PRF efficiency on SARS-CoV-2 replication is not well understood.
Conclusions:
- Targeting -1 PRF is a viable antiviral strategy for SARS-CoV-2.
- Merafloxacin demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Further research into -1 PRF inhibitors could lead to novel antiviral treatments.
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