Identification of broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors: a focus on high-risk coronaviruses and conserved interactions
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antivirals against coronaviruses (CoVs) to prepare for future outbreaks. In this study, we presented a systematic approach to developing broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors, with a focus on high-risk CoVs. We optimised S-217622 a...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/14756366.2025.2503961 |
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| Summary: | The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antivirals against coronaviruses (CoVs) to prepare for future outbreaks. In this study, we presented a systematic approach to developing broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors, with a focus on high-risk CoVs. We optimised S-217622 as a lead compound, with the goal of enhancing conserved interactions within the S1, S2, and S3/S4 pockets of Mpro, leading to significantly improved inhibitory potency against representative CoVs. Compound 25 exhibited submicromolar activity across all ten CoVs, with IC50 values below 0.1 μM for six of them. The X-ray co-crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in complex with compound 25 revealed the structural basis of conserved interactions contributing to its broad-spectrum activity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of reinforcing conserved interactions to develop Mpro inhibitors with broad-spectrum activity and provides valuable strategies for combating future pandemics caused by unknown CoVs. |
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| ISSN: | 1475-6366 1475-6374 |