New crown pneumonia│The Hong Kong University team reveals a compound that prevents virus replication and provides a new direction for drug research

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Author: Chen Qianting

2020-08-17 16:59

The latest research by a team from the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong found that a small molecule compound called "ACA" can help inhibit virus replication, including the currently circulating novel coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and influenza A virus.

The team pointed out that this discovery can provide a new direction for the development of antiviral drugs to treat viral infections extensively, but there is no plan to conduct human clinical studies at this stage. The research results have been published in the international scientific journal "Science Advances".

The latest study by Chair Professor Yuan Guoyong of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, Research Assistant Professor Yuan Shuofeng and his team found that the amino acid motif "YxxØ", which is widespread in viral proteins, interacts with the host "AP2M1". The team members describe "AP2M1" as similar Like buses, viruses use the viral proteins produced by buses.

Studies have found that a small molecule compound called "ACA" can prevent viruses from using "AP2M1" to transport proteins to the wrong destination, thereby effectively inhibiting virus replication.

New coronavirus, MERS virus, influenza virus are applicable

The team conducted tests on cell models and small animal models, and found that a variety of deadly viruses are applicable, including the currently circulating novel coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, influenza A virus, Zika virus and HIV.

The team said that this study has discovered the target of a new broad-spectrum antiviral drug. If the compound "ACA" is improved in the future, it may become a potential method for the treatment of new coronavirus and other viral infections, but the team has no plans to conduct human clinical studies. The research results have been published in the international scientific journal "Science Advances".

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Hong Kong University School of Medicine