Researchers identify kite-shaped molecules that block SARS-CoV-2 cell entry after attachment
A team of scientists from the University of Manchester, UK, has recently screened a panel of FDA-approved compounds to identify potential antiviral agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They have identified a group of kite-shaped compounds that are highly specific to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. These compounds demonstrate high potency in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection at early entry steps. The study is currently available on the
Background
As of June 2, 2021, globally, there have been more than 171 million confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, with over 3.56 million deaths. The newly emerging viral variants have led to global concerns about the long-term efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. In order to effectively control infection caused by novel viral variants, novel therapeutics and prophylactics are necessary.