Triple-target small molecule for PRRSV and ASFV infections

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Drug Discovery
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) cause significant economic losses in the swine industry.
• Current treatments and vaccines for PRRSV and ASFV are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize a small molecule with potential activity against both PRRSV and ASFV.
• To explore the molecular interactions of the identified compound with viral targets.

Main Methods:

• Chemical synthesis of small molecule C14.
• Antiviral activity assays against PRRSV and ASFV.
• Docking simulations and analysis of target binding using the STSBPT strategy.

Main Results:

• Small molecule C14 demonstrated significant antiviral activity against PRRSV (EC50 = 0.34 μM) and ASFV (EC50 < 0.1 μM).
• Analysis revealed highly similar structural features in the binding regions of C14 within the active pockets of PRRSV and ASFV targets.
• The C14 structure is optimized, lacking redundant elements, making it suitable for further development.

Conclusions:

• C14 is a promising lead compound for developing multi-target antiviral drugs against PRRSV and ASFV.
• The study provides a valuable reference for designing novel antiviral therapies for swine diseases.