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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Natural products as a source of Coronavirus entry inhibitors
Dávid Szabó1,2, Andrew Crowe1,2, Cyril Mamotte1,2
1Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and lasting impact on the world. Four years on, despite the existence of effective vaccines, the continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a challenge for long-term immunity. Additionally, there remain few purpose-built antivirals to protect individuals at risk of severe disease in the event of future coronavirus outbreaks. A promising mechanism of action for novel coronavirus antivirals is the inhibition of viral entry. To facilitate entry, the coronavirus spike glycoprotein interacts with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on respiratory epithelial cells. Blocking this interaction and consequently viral replication may be an effective strategy for treating infection, however further research is needed to better characterize candidate molecules with antiviral activity before progressing to animal studies and clinical trials. In general, antiviral drugs are developed from purely synthetic compounds or synthetic derivatives of natural products such as plant secondary metabolites. While the former is often favored due to the higher specificity afforded by rational drug design, natural products offer several unique advantages that make them worthy of further study including diverse bioactivity and the ability to work synergistically with other drugs. Accordingly, there has recently been a renewed interest in natural product-derived antivirals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides a summary of recent research into coronavirus entry inhibitors, with a focus on natural compounds derived from plants, honey, and marine sponges.
Insights
Natural compounds offer promising avenues for developing new antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 variants by inhibiting viral entry. Research highlights plant, honey, and marine sponge derivatives as potential treatments for future coronavirus outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2, especially with emerging variants challenging long-term immunity.
- Few antivirals specifically target viral entry, a crucial step for coronavirus infection.
- Natural products offer diverse bioactivity and synergistic potential, making them attractive sources for novel drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on natural compounds as coronavirus entry inhibitors.
- To focus on compounds derived from plants, honey, and marine sponges.
- To identify potential candidates for future antiviral therapies against coronaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on natural products and coronavirus entry inhibition.
- Analysis of studies focusing on compounds that block the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and ACE2 receptor.
- Categorization of natural compounds based on their source (plants, honey, marine sponges).
Main Results:
- Natural compounds, particularly from plants, honey, and marine sponges, show promise in inhibiting coronavirus entry.
- Several natural product derivatives exhibit potent antiviral activity by interfering with the spike protein-ACE2 interaction.
- These compounds represent a valuable resource for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Conclusions:
- Natural products are a viable source for discovering new antiviral agents targeting coronavirus entry.
- Further research and characterization of these compounds are essential for preclinical and clinical development.
- Harnessing natural product-derived antivirals could bolster our defenses against future coronavirus outbreaks.
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