Should We Try SARS-CoV-2 Helicase Inhibitors for COVID-19 Therapy?

Arch Med Res. 2020 Oct;51(7):733-735. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.05.024. Epub 2020 May 31.

Abstract

The discovery of new drugs for treating the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) or repurposing those already in use for other viral infections is possible through understanding of the viral replication cycle and pathogenicity. This article highlights the advantage of targeting one of the non-structural proteins, helicase (nsp13), over other SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Highlighting the experience gained from targeting Nsp13 in similar coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS) and known inhibitors, the article calls for research on helicase inhibitors as potential COVID-19 therapy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Helicase; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19* / virology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Methyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA Helicases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • SARS-CoV-2* / drug effects
  • SARS-CoV-2* / enzymology
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • Methyltransferases
  • RNA Helicases