Virology: Current Research

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, 2200 Pennsylvania NW, Suite 300-E, Washington, USA

Publications

• Research   
  Direct ACE2- Spike RBD Binding Disruption With Small Molecules: A Strategy For COVID-19 Treatment
  Author(s): Bartlomiej P. Przychodzen*, Sandra P. Smieszek, Christos M. Polymeropoulos, Vasilios M. Polymeropoulos and Mihael H. Polymeropoulos
  
  ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. Binding of SARS-Cov-2 to ACE2 involves the viral Spike protein. The molecular interaction between ACE2 and Spike has been resolved. Interfering with this interaction might be used in treating patients with COVID-19. Inhibition of this interaction can be attained via multiple routes: here we focus on identifying small molecules that would prevent the interaction. Specifically we focus on small molecules and peptides that have the capacity to effectively bind the ACE2: RBD contact domain to prevent and reduce SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell. We aim to identify molecules that prevent the docking of viral spike protein (mediated by RBD) onto cells expressing ACE2, without inhibiting the activity of ACE2. We utilize the most recent ACE2-RBD crystallography resolved model (PDB-ID: 6LZG). Based on animal susceptibility data we n.. Read More»
  

  Abstract PDF