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Enzyme inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat COVID-19 infection

Lukas Paulsson-Habegger1, Andrew K Snabaitis1, Stephen P Wren1

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
|September 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 entry is key for COVID-19 treatments. TMPRSS2 inhibitors show promise for treating infections, offering potential benefits with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, necessitates understanding its cellular entry mechanisms.
  • Identifying viral entry pathways is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against coronaviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key enzymes involved in SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic compounds targeting these enzymes for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms.
  • Analysis of enzymes such as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), Furin, and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2).
  • Evaluation of compounds proposed to inhibit viral entry.

Main Results:

  • ACE2, Furin, and TMPRSS2 are identified as critical enzymes for SARS-CoV-2 entry.
  • Various compounds have been proposed to inhibit these viral entry enzymes.
  • TMPRSS2 inhibitors demonstrate significant promise for COVID-19 treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting TMPRSS2 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
  • TMPRSS2 inhibitors may provide a viable treatment option due to their potential for fewer side effects and existing availability.
Keywords:
ACE2COVID-19CoronavirusEnzymesFurinInhibitionRAASSARS-CoV-2Spike proteinTMPRSS2

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