The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the likelihood that new coronavirus strains will emerge in the immediate future point out the urgent need to identify new pan-coronavirus inhibitors. Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of plant hormones with multifaceted activities whose role in plant-related fields has been extensively explored. Recently, we proved that SLs also exert an antiviral activity toward herpesviruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Here we show that the synthetic SLs TH-EGO and EDOT-EGO impair β-coronavirus replication, including SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. Interestingly, in-silico simulations suggest the binding of SLs in the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) active site, and this was further confirmed by an in-vitro activity assay. Overall, our results highlight the potential efficacy of SLs as broad-spectrum antivirals against β-coronaviruses, which may provide the rationale for repurposing this class of hormones for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Strigolactones as broad-spectrum antivirals against β-coronaviruses through targeting the main protease Mpro

Matteo Biolatti;Marco Blangetti;Davide Arnodo;Marco De Andrea;Francesca Gugliesi;Camilla Albano;Selina Pasquero;Ivan Visentin;Matteo Bersani;Cristina Prandi;Francesca Spyrakis;
2023-01-01

Abstract

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the likelihood that new coronavirus strains will emerge in the immediate future point out the urgent need to identify new pan-coronavirus inhibitors. Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of plant hormones with multifaceted activities whose role in plant-related fields has been extensively explored. Recently, we proved that SLs also exert an antiviral activity toward herpesviruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Here we show that the synthetic SLs TH-EGO and EDOT-EGO impair β-coronavirus replication, including SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. Interestingly, in-silico simulations suggest the binding of SLs in the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) active site, and this was further confirmed by an in-vitro activity assay. Overall, our results highlight the potential efficacy of SLs as broad-spectrum antivirals against β-coronaviruses, which may provide the rationale for repurposing this class of hormones for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
2023
36th International Congress on Antiviral Research
Lyon, France
13-17 March 2023
ICAR 2023 Program & Abstract
182
183
Greta Bajetto, Matteo Biolatti, Marco Blangetti, Melissa Baggieri, Davide Arnodo, Raoul Fioravanti, Marco De Andrea, Francesca Gugliesi, Camilla Alban...espandi
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
ICAR2023_Abstract.pdf

Accesso aperto

Descrizione: Abstract
Dimensione 333.24 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
333.24 kB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1911097
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact