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Published on: June 14, 2022
Metal Complexes as Antiviral Agents for SARS-CoV-2
Johannes Karges1, Seth M Cohen1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Abstract:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome - coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the infectious agent responsible for COVID-19 - has caused more than 2.5 million deaths worldwide and triggered a global pandemic. Even with successful vaccines being delivered, there is an urgent need for novel treatments to combat SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging viral diseases. While several organic small molecule drug candidates are in development, some effort has also been devoted towards the application of metal complexes as potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. Herein, the metal complexes that have been reported to show antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 or one of its target proteins are described and their proposed mechanisms of action are discussed.
Insights
Metal complexes show promise as novel antiviral treatments against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). This review details metal compounds with reported antiviral activity and their mechanisms against the virus and its targets.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Virology
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in millions of deaths globally.
- Despite vaccine development, there is a critical need for effective antiviral therapies.
- Metal complexes are being explored as alternative therapeutic agents against viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review metal complexes with demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss the proposed mechanisms of action for these metal-based antiviral agents.
- To highlight the potential of metal complexes in combating SARS-CoV-2 and future viral threats.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies reporting antiviral activity of metal complexes against SARS-CoV-2.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms of action for identified compounds.
Main Results:
- Several metal complexes have shown significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
- These complexes target various stages of the viral life cycle or host cell interactions.
- Mechanisms include inhibition of viral entry, replication, or enzyme activity.
Conclusions:
- Metal complexes represent a promising class of compounds for developing novel antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
- Further research into their efficacy, safety, and mechanisms is warranted.
- Metal-based therapies could offer alternative treatment strategies for COVID-19 and other viral diseases.
