Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against viral infections, pioneering antivirals targeting viral methyltransferases. This breakthrough could complement existing therapies and offer robust solutions against future pandemics.
A recent study from the Tuschl laboratory has unveiled a proof-of-concept for a new class of antivirals that target specific enzymes critical to SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses, such as Ebola and dengue. This discovery could lay the foundation for more rapid and effective responses to future pandemics.
RNA viruses thrive by modifying their RNA caps, which are stabilized by methyltransferases. However, most antivirals focus on disrupting proteases, a different class of viral enzymes that break down proteins. The Tuschl lab has found that targeting methyltransferase enzymes offers a promising alternative approach.
The team’s lead researcher, Thomas Tuschl, says that inhibiting these enzymes requires using a non-conventional RNA substrate, but this presents fewer challenges than previously thought. By restructing his lab to focus on antiviral drug discovery during the pandemic, Tuschl realized the benefits of targeting two unrelated viral enzymes at once.
Through an extensive chemical developmental process, the team discovered small molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase NSP14, a multifunctional enzyme with methyltransferase activity. These compounds have been shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 and remain effective even if the virus mutates.
Tuschl emphasizes that this approach offers minimal side effects due to its unique mechanism of action. However, further optimization is needed before the compound can be tested in humans. The Tuschl lab plans to expand their work to explore inhibitors for RSV, flaviviruses, and other pathogens sharing similar enzymatic vulnerabilities.
This breakthrough validates viral methyltransferases as promising therapeutic targets and offers a new opportunity to prepare for future pandemics.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/beyond-paxlovid-scientists-unveil-game-changing-antiviral-that-could-combat-covid-ebola-and-more