Discovery of α-Ketoamide inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease derived from quaternized P1 groups

Exploring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: from peptidomimetics to novel scaffolds

Peptidomimetic inhibitors mimic natural peptide substrates, employing electrophilic warheads to covalently interact with the catalytic Cys145 of Mpro. Examples include aldehydes, α-ketoamides, and aza-peptides, with discussions on their mechanisms of action, potency, and structural insights. Non-peptidomimetic inhibitors utilise diverse scaffolds and mechanisms, achieving covalent modification of Mpro.

Recent Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of α-Ketoamides

α-Ketoamides are privileged chemical entities featuring a carbonyl group bonded to an amide. Bearing two pronucleophilic and two proelectrophilic sites, this structural scaffold exhibits distinct chemical properties and unparalleled biological activity. Owing to its wide application in medicinal, agricultural, and synthetic chemistry, methods for assembling this distinct moiety are ever-growing in demand. With the increasing focus on green synthesis, traditional routes to α-ketoamides have faded in recent years giving rise to the development of photocatalytic, electrosynthetic, and microwave-assisted catalytic protocols. We hereby provide a comprehensive and critical summary of all the catalytic advancements witnessed in this field from 2016 to the present.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 3C-like protease inhibitors as lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2

Background: The epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 swept the world in 2019. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in viral replication, and its inhibition could inhibit viral replication. Materials & methods: The virtual screen based on receptor-ligand pharmacophore models and molecular docking were conducted to obtain the novel scaffolds of the 3CLpro. The molecular dynamics simulation was also carried out. All compounds were synthesized and evaluated in biochemical assays. Results: The compound C2 could inhibit 3CLpro with a 72% inhibitory rate at 10 μM. The covalent docking showed that C2 could form a covalent bond with the Cys145 in 3CLpro. Conclusion: C2 could be a potent lead compound of 3CLpro inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.