Researchers at the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INC) have discovered that a number of compounds from the cyclic lipopeptide class can inhibit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some are already widely used in preparations against fungal infections.
“Four compounds—aculeacin A, mycosubtilin, iturin A, and anidulafungin—showed high antiviral potential and also proved non-toxic to mammalian cells, including humans. The results of our study gave us a better understanding of the mechanism of action of potential drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 fusion. The knowledge gained can be applied, among other things, to combat other enveloped viruses, Yegor Shekunov, a young researcher at the Membrane and Ion Channel Modeling Laboratory of the Academy of Scientific Centers, told socialbites.ca.
The SARS-CoV-2 envelope plays a role in the entry of the pathogen into the body by combining with the lipid membrane of healthy cells. Therefore, one of the ways to fight the virus is to prevent the intermembrane interaction between them.
For these purposes, Russian scientists recommend using cyclic lipopeptides. Due to the peculiarities of their structure with a hydrophilic “head” and a hydrophobic “tail”, they can easily integrate into the lipid envelope of the virus and change their physical properties, preventing the pathogen from entering the cell.
In the future, these compounds can be used to create effective antiviral drugs.