We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Enzyme Inhibitor Blocks Respiratory Virus Replication

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 May 2018
Print article
Image: The novel molecule IMP-1088 (yellow) blocks human NMT (blue), a protein essential for the cold virus to assemble the geometric capsid shell, which encloses its RNA genome (green) (Photo courtesy of Imperial College London).
Image: The novel molecule IMP-1088 (yellow) blocks human NMT (blue), a protein essential for the cold virus to assemble the geometric capsid shell, which encloses its RNA genome (green) (Photo courtesy of Imperial College London).
A recently crafted drug molecule has proven to be a potential candidate for treatment of the viruses responsible for the common cold and other respiratory diseases.

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the pathogens most often responsible for the common cold, and are a frequent cause of complications in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.

In an effort to combat respiratory viruses, investigators at Imperial College London (United Kingdom) synthesized the compound IMP-1088, a picomolar dual inhibitor of the human enzymes N-myristoyltransferases NMT1 and NMT2. N-myristoyltransferase catalyzes the transfer of myristate - a rare 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, which is attached by an amide linkage to the N-terminal glycine residue of cellular and viral proteins with diverse functions - from CoA to proteins.

Crystal structures and other evidence had revealed that two inhibitors, which the investigators had identified early in their studies, targeted different sites on the human enzymes. They used a fragment-based drug design approach to combine the two inhibitors and structure-guided design to optimize the combination agent’s drug properties.

The investigators reported in the May 14, 2018, online edition of the journal Nature Chemistry that that inhibition of the myristoylation of a specific virus-encoded protein (VP0) by IMP-1088 potently blocked a key step in viral capsid assembly, to deliver a low nanomolar antiviral activity against multiple RV strains, poliovirus, and foot and-mouth disease virus. The compound was found to be nontoxic to cell cultures.

"The common cold is an inconvenience for most of us, but can cause serious complications in people with conditions like asthma and COPD. A drug like this could be extremely beneficial if given early in infection, and we are working on making a version that could be inhaled, so that it gets to the lungs quickly," said senior author Dr. Edward W. Tate, professor of chemical biology at Imperial College London.

Related Links:
Imperial College London

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.