Discovery of First-in-Class PROTAC Degraders of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

J Med Chem. 2024 Apr 25;67(8):6495-6507. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02416. Epub 2024 Apr 12.

Abstract

We have witnessed three coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks in the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Main protease (MPro), a highly conserved protease among various CoVs, is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis, making it a prime target for antiviral drug development. Here, we leverage proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to develop a new class of small-molecule antivirals that induce the degradation of SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Among them, MPD2 was demonstrated to effectively reduce MPro protein levels in 293T cells, relying on a time-dependent, CRBN-mediated, and proteasome-driven mechanism. Furthermore, MPD2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in diminishing MPro protein levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected A549-ACE2 cells. MPD2 also displayed potent antiviral activity against various SARS-CoV-2 strains and exhibited enhanced potency against nirmatrelvir-resistant viruses. Overall, this proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of targeted protein degradation of MPro as an innovative approach for developing antivirals that could fight against drug-resistant viral variants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases* / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Proteolysis* / drug effects
  • SARS-CoV-2* / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases