As reported on October 17, 2020 that scientists from the College of Texas Well being Science Heart at San Antonio (UT Well being San Antonio) in the USA have developed two molecules that inhibit the molecular ‘scissor’ enzym77release of proteins that are essential for the virus to replicate. They are capable of blocking the activity of SARS-CoV-2-PLpro, still do not cross react with other similar proteins in human cells. SARS-CoV-2-PLpro cuts human proteins ubiquitin and ISG15, which help maintain protein integrity by acting like a molecular “scissor”.
The researchers said this specificity would be a key determinant of the therapeutic value of the approach. By understanding similarities and differences of these proteins in various coronaviruses, the researchers said that it may be possible to develop inhibitors that are effective against multiple viruses.