Discovery of Potential
SARS-CoV-2 M Protease Inhibitors by Virtual Screening,
Molecular Dynamics, and Binding Free Energy
Analyses
HE Qing-Xiu, LI Guang-Ping, GUO Hai-Qiong, WANG Yu-Xuan, CHU Han, HU Yong, SHEN Yan, LIN Zhi-Hua* and WANG Yuan-Qiang*
Chin.
J. Struct. Chem. 2021, 40, 431-442 DOI: 10.14102/j.cnki.0254-5861.2011-2966
April 15, 2021
severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virtual screening,
molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, binding free energy
ABSTRACT
The severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gained tremendous attention due
to its high infectivity and pathogenicity. The 3-chymotrypsin-like hydrolase
protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 has been proven to be an important target for
anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. To better identify the drugs with potential in
treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 and according
to the crystal structure of Mpro, we conducted a virtual screening of
FDA-approved drugs and chemical agents that have entered clinical trials. As a
result, 9 drug candidates with therapeutic potential for the treatment of
COVID-19 and with good docking scores were identified to target SARS-CoV-2.
Consequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to explore the
dynamic interactions between the predicted drugs and Mpro. The binding mode
during MD simulation showed that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions
played an important role in the binding processes. Based on the binding free
energy calculated by using MM/PBSA, Lopiravir, an inhibitor of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease, is under investigation for the treatment
of COVID-19 in combination with ritionavir, and it might inhibit Mpro
effectively. Moreover, Ombitasvir, an inhibitor for non-structural protein 5A
of hepatitis C virus (HCV), has good inhibitory potency for Mpro. It is notable
that the GS-6620 has a binding free energy, with respect to binding Mpro,
comparable to that of ombitasvir. Our study suggests that ombitasvir and
lopinavir are good drug candidates for the treatment of COVID-19, and that
GS-6620 has good anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.