COVID-19 Research: Anti-viral Method With Double Effect
In the case of an infection, the SARS-CoV-2 infection must get rid of various defense mechanisms of the human body, including its non-specific or inherent immune defense.
Among the factors the SARS-CoV-2 infection is so effective– and thus dangerous– is that it can suppress the non-specific immune action. In addition, it lets the human cell produce the viral protein PLpro (papain-like protease). PLpro has two functions: It contributes in the maturation and release of brand-new viral particles, and it suppresses the advancement of type 1 interferons. The German and Dutch scientists have actually now had the ability to keep an eye on these procedures in cell culture experiments. If they blocked PLpro, infection production was prevented and the inherent immune action of the human cells was enhanced at the very same time.
Teacher Ivan Dikic, Director of the Institute of Biochemistry II at University Hospital Frankfurt and last author of the paper, describes: “We used the compound GRL-0617, a non-covalent inhibitor of PLpro, and examined its mode of action extremely closely in regards to biochemistry, structure and function. We concluded that preventing PLpro is