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the structure model of SARS 3CL proteinase.
In cooperation with colleagues of Singapore Polytechnic, CAS scientists have discovered a natural product from fruits that could be a drug lead to battle both severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and flu viruses.
After screening more than two million compounds on a high-performance super-computer over the past two years, a research group headed by Prof. Zhu Weiliang from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) under the CAS Shanghai Institutes for Biological Science found a series of compounds that are potent in inhibiting 3CL proteinase, an enzyme that is essential to viral duplication.
The researchers particularly revealed a natural product that can clinch itself to the active site of the proteinase of the SARS coronavirus, preventing the launch of the normal process of viral duplication. In addition, it can effectively suppress the bio-activity of the proteinase in the flu virus so that the flu infection might be neutralized by the compounds. According to Dr. Shen Xu, who is in charge of the bioassay at SIMM, their experimental result is in agreement with the computer simulation.
Since the product is from human food, it should be free of toxicity. In spite of this, this team conducted, using a supercomputer, a systematic simulation on its possible binding with various kinds of protein including those from the human body. To their surprise and encouragement, they did not find any obvious side effect. Of late, both SIMM and its Singaporean partner are filing patents for the compound.
The compound is a wonderful drug lead as it is dual-functional to both SARS and flu, says Prof. Jiang Hualiang, vice director of SIMM. Hence, further study will be followed up. Also, according to deputy principal of the Singapore Polytechnic, Mr. Yeow Kian Peng and Dr. Puah Chum Mok, the cooperation on this subject will be strengthened for new drug development.