The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (often referenced as COVID-19) is an RNA virus with much higher mutation rates than a DNA virus. Therefore, in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic, in addition to quarantine and vaccine therapy development, a deeper understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and the acceleration of antiviral drugs development are an urgent need.
SARS-CoV-2 Model and Genome
Currently, ChemPartner’s in vitro biology team has conducted in-depth research on the targets of the SARS-CoV-2 that can be used for drug discovery and has progressively developed the corresponding drug screening assays. Our team has collaborated with both Chinese and global companies and is involved in a number of SARS-CoV-2 projects to facilitate new anti-coronavirus drug discovery.
Papain-like proteinase (PLpro) is the protease mainly responsible for cleaving the N-terminus of the replicase polyprotein to produce three non-structural proteins (NSP1, NSP2, NSP3) and plays a key role in virus replication. As an indispensable enzyme in virus replication, PLpro is a popular drug target for coronavirus. The SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV PLpro enzymatic assays, which are used for new drug discovery, have been established.
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Enzymatic Assay Development
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Enzyme Titration
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Substrate KmTest
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Reference Compounds IC50 Test
MERS-CoV PLpro Enzymatic Assay Development
MERS-CoV PLpro Enzyme Titration
MERS -CoV PLpro Substrate KmTest
MERS -CoV PLpro Reference Compounds IC50 Test
3C-like main proteinase Mpro (3CLpro) is the first mature protease formed by self-cleavage from replicase polyprotein. It is mainly responsible for cleaving replicase polyprotein to produce non-structural proteins from NSP4 to NSP16, which are vital in viral replications. Further studies on the structure and activity of 3CLpro show that it is a potential drug target for coronavirus. Thus, ChemPartner’s in vitro biology team has established the 3CLpro enzymatic assay of SARS-CoV-2 as well.
SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro Enzymatic Assay Development
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Enzyme Titration
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Substrate KmTest
SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Reference Compounds IC50 Test
For other SARS-CoV-2 drug targets such as RdRp, endoribonuclease, etc., the corresponding assay development is underway, which will further contribute to accelerate the SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery process.
