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Noble Metal Organometallic Complexes Display Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2
Christina Chuong1, Christine M DuChane2, Emily M Webb3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Viruses
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Two organometallic rhodium complexes show direct virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. These compounds exhibit low toxicity, highlighting their potential as novel antiviral agents for treating coronavirus disease.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic with no specific treatments.
- There is an urgent need for effective antiviral therapies to combat the ongoing spread and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel class of organometallic complexes for direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the efficacy and toxicity of specific pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) rhodium piano stool complexes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of two Cp* rhodium complexes: Cp*Rh(1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene)Cl2 (complex 2) and Cp*Rh(dipivaloylmethanato)Cl (complex 4).
- In vitro testing of complexes for direct virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- Cytotoxicity assays in Vero E6 and Calu-3 cell lines.
Main Results:
- Both complex 2 and complex 4 demonstrated direct virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2.
- Complex 4 showed greater stability and effectiveness compared to complex 2.
- Neither complex exhibited significant toxicity in the tested cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Organometallic complexes, specifically Cp* rhodium compounds, show promise as potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.
- Further investigation into the therapeutic potential of these compounds is warranted.
- The findings support the development of organometallic chemistry approaches for antiviral drug discovery.
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