Characterization of host substrates of SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Ivonne Melano; Yan-Chung Lo; Wen-Chi Su

doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1251705

Characterization of host substrates of SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Front Microbiol. 2023 Aug 21:14:1251705. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1251705. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Ivonne Melano¹, Yan-Chung Lo², Wen-Chi Su^{1

3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
² Sinphar Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sinphar Group, Yilan, Taiwan.
³ International Master's Program of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Abstract

The main protease (M^pro) plays a crucial role in coronavirus, as it cleaves viral polyproteins and host cellular proteins to ensure successful replication. In this review, we discuss the preference in the recognition sequence of M^pro based on sequence-based studies and structural information and highlight the recent advances in computational and experimental approaches that have aided in discovering novel M^pro substrates. In addition, we provide an overview of the current understanding of M^pro host substrates and their implications for viral replication and pathogenesis. As M^pro has emerged as a promising target for the development of antiviral drugs, further insight into its substrate specificity may contribute to the design of specific inhibitors.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; main protease; substrate; viral replication; virus pathogenesis; virus-host interaction.

Publication types

Review