Host Kinase CSNK2 is a Target for Inhibition of Pathogenic SARS-like β-Coronaviruses

ACS Chem Biol. 2022 Jul 15;17(7):1937-1950. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00378. Epub 2022 Jun 19.

Abstract

Inhibition of the protein kinase CSNK2 with any of 30 specific and selective inhibitors representing different chemotypes, blocked replication of pathogenic human, bat, and murine β-coronaviruses. The potency of in-cell CSNK2A target engagement across the set of inhibitors correlated with antiviral activity and genetic knockdown confirmed the essential role of the CSNK2 holoenzyme in β-coronavirus replication. Spike protein endocytosis was blocked by CSNK2A inhibition, indicating that antiviral activity was due in part to a suppression of viral entry. CSNK2A inhibition may be a viable target for the development of anti-SARS-like β-coronavirus drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Coronavirus Infections*
  • Coronavirus* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents