The papain-like protease (PLPro) is a highly conserved, non-structural protein that plays a crucial role in the formation of the replication-transcription complex and the processing of polyproteins in SARS-CoV-2, as well as improving the host’s antiviral immune responses against said virus. Chalcone is a common ingredient, which can be found in a multitude of natural substances, such as food and herbs. It has been proven to have various biological activities, including antiviral effects. Previous studies have identified several natural chalcone-based compounds with the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the PLPro enzyme. Based on these findings, this study investigated potential chalcone-derived PLPro inhibitors, as retrieved from Pubchem and in-house libraries. Virtual screening protocols, specifically molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulating filter, were applied to reach the desired goal. As a result, 1448 out of 1454 chalcone derivatives can effectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 via PLPro. The 5 substances with the most suitable docking score and binding mode were selected for the next step. Through MD, CID1021201513 and CID101585417 showed the greatest potential in targeting PLPro. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies must be conducted before the bio-activities of these chalcones against SARS-CoV-2 can be confirmed. Furthermore, the ligand-protein interaction mode analysed in this research can help design effective chalcone derivatives.
Publication Information
Publisher
Thu Dau Mot University, Viet Nam
Editor-in-Chief
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Hiep Thu Dau Mot University
Editorial Board
Assoc. Prof. Le Tuan Anh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Quoc Cuong Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Doan Ngoc Xuan Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Khoa Truong An Thu Dau Mot University
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Binh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Le Thi Thuy Dung Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Ngo Hong Diep Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Duc Dat Duc Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Duc Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam
PhD. Nguyen Thi Nhat Hang Department of Education and Training of Binh Duong Province
PhD. Nguyen Thi Cam Le Vietnam Aviation Academy
PhD. Trần Hạnh Minh Phương Thu Dau Mot University
M.A. Pham Van Thinh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Thi Lien Thuong Thu Dau Mot University