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Mechanistic insight into anti-COVID-19 drugs: recent trends and advancements
Hardeep Singh Tuli1, Shivani Sood2, Jagjit Kaur3
1Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207 India.
Abstract:
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been established now to be a deadly disease afflicting the whole world with worst consequences on healthcare, economy and day-to-day life activities. Being a communicable disease, which is highly pathogenic in humans, causing cough, throat infection, breathing problems, high fever, muscle pain, and may lead to death in some cases especially those having other comorbid conditions such as heart or kidney problems, and diabetes. Finding an appropriate drug and vaccine candidate against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains an ultimate and immediate goal for the global scientific community. Based on previous studies in the literature on SARS-CoV infection, there are a number of drugs that may inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its infection. Such drugs comprise of inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2), nonstructural protein 3C-like protease, nonstructural RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and many more. The antiviral drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and ritonavir as inhibitors for HIV protease, nucleotide analogue remdesivir, and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are available to treat the SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Therefore, this review article is planned to gain insight into the mechanism for blocking the entry of SARS-CoV-2, its validation, other inhibition mechanisms, and development of therapeutic drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Insights
This review explores potential drugs and vaccines against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19. It examines mechanisms to block viral entry and replication, aiding therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global pandemic with severe health and economic impacts.
- The virus is highly pathogenic, leading to respiratory illness and potentially death, especially in individuals with comorbidities.
- Developing effective drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is an urgent global priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms for blocking SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
- To explore various inhibition strategies against viral replication.
- To provide insights into the development of therapeutic drugs and vaccines for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of potential drug targets, including ACE2, TMPRSS2, and viral enzymes.
- Examination of available antiviral drugs and their mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Several drug classes show potential for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication.
- Inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are key targets.
- Antiviral agents like chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir, and ritonavir are discussed for therapeutic use.
Conclusions:
- Understanding viral entry and replication mechanisms is crucial for developing effective COVID-19 treatments.
- Targeting viral proteins and host factors offers promising therapeutic avenues.
- Continued research into drug repurposing and novel therapeutic strategies is essential for combating the pandemic.
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