Investigators Identified Compound That Work against Coronaviruses

No particular medicines are available to treat coronaviruses , the pathogens cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome  (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS).  But study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens uncovers a novel coronavirus inhibitor.

Before 2004 SARS epidemic, coronaviruses were not considered as a risk to people. Only 2 coronaviruses types were identified to be in circulation in people, both of which induced only comparatively mild, common cold-type symptoms.

The latest concern over MERS, a different extremely pathogenic coronavirus, has created the need for drug therapies that can successfully fight coronaviruses ever more pressing.

A worldwide group of researchers, lead by representatives of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and the University of Berne in Swiss, have now recognized a compound that they say suppresses coronaviruses.

In preliminary studies, the scientists identified that the compound – called K22 – shown antiviral qualities towards a mild, cold-like coronavirus.

Further studies proved that K22 is also successful towards all other coronaviruses, which includes SARS and MERS. K22 also seemed to prevent viruses in cells lining the human airways – a natural access point for respiratory viruses.

The scientists identified that K22 stops host membranes from being reshaped by the fighting virus. A coronavirus changes the membranes in host cells by developing a scaffolding of sorts in sequence to increase and spread the infection. By preventing this scaffolding action, K22 is capable to protect against the virus from replicate.

The authors describe:

“The exceptional efficacy of K22 mediated inhibition of coronavirus reproduction shows that the employment of host cell membranes for viral RNA synthesis is a essential stage in the coronavirus life pattern, and significantly, shows that this stage is incredibly vulnerable and also druggable for antiviral treatment.”

The authors also emphasize that the recognition of K22 is only the first, preclinical step towards a therapy for coronaviruses.

Worry over MERS has prompted speed to develop drug therapies

Few days back it reported that three cases of MERS had been confirmed within the US was met with concern. On the other hand, WHO have reported that the situations for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern have not yet been met.

In reaction to the MERS epidemic, other scientists – like as those from Purdue University in Indiana – are also evaluating alternate methods to preventing possibly deadly coronaviruses. The Purdue team are developing molecules to shut down the MERS coronavirus