The G-Quadruplex/Helicase World as a Potential Antiviral Approach Against COVID-19

Drugs. 2020 Jul;80(10):941-946. doi: 10.1007/s40265-020-01321-z.

Abstract

G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich regions of DNA or RNA. G4 sequences/structures have been detected in human and in viral genomes, including Coronaviruses Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we outline the existing evidence indicating that G4 ligands and inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 helicase may exert some antiviral activity reducing viral replication and can represent a potential therapeutic approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discuss how repositioning of FDA-approved drugs against helicase activity of other viruses, could represent a rapid strategy to limit deaths associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases
  • Drug Repositioning
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Methyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • RNA Helicases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • Methyltransferases
  • Nsp13 protein, SARS-CoV
  • Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases
  • papain-like protease, SARS-CoV-2
  • RNA Helicases