Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in the US have developed a new antiviral compound that blocks covid virus from entering human cells. They have named this compound MM3122. They state that if given early in the disease course they could reduce severity of the dreaded illness.
Mechanism of action of MM3122
The compound acts on the key human protein called transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Covid-19, other coronaviruses and influenza virus uses this protein to enter and infect human cells. James W Janetka, senior author of this study states:
“Great vaccines are now available for SARS-CoV-2, but we still need effective antiviral medications to help curb the severity of this pandemic,”
“The compound we are developing prevents the virus from entering cells,”
They want to develop an oral form of this inhibitor that could help in covid infection and minimize its severity. The authors add that the compound also blocks another related protein called matriptase. Matriptase and TMPRSS2 are found on surface of lung cells as well as other cells. Their inhibition prevents spike protein activation and membrane fusion. James explained:
“The SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks our own lung cells’ machinery to activate its spike protein, which enables it to bind to and invade lung cells,”
“In blocking TMPRSS2, the drug prevents the virus from entering other cells within the body or from invading the lung cells in the first place if, in theory, it could be taken as a preventive,”
Stage of the study
The study is still preclinical. The new compound is being tested on mice. Once it undergoes the efficacy and safety studies, it could be used as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. Remdesivir is already approved for use in covid. The new compound, the authors state is better than remdesivir too. The compound is also proven to be effective against the original Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The study co-author Sean Whelan adds:
“The majority of inhibitors of viral infection work by blocking steps of replication once the virus is inside the cell,”
“Dr Janetka has identified and refined a molecule that stops the virus from entering the cell in the first place. As the target of MM3122 is a host protein, this may also pose a larger barrier to the emergence of viruses that are resistant to the inhibitor,”
The compound offers a ray of hope against the 21st century bad viruses that evade treatment until now.
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