Project 5: Pandemic Virus Helicase Inhibitors

Molecular structure of SARS-CoV2 viral helicase in the viral replicase complex, viral helicase inhibitors — *Molecular structure of SARS-CoV2 viral helicase in the viral replicase complex*

SARS-CoV2 viral helicase (purple) is a key component in the viral replicase complex interacting with other viral proteins (e.g., viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase shown in green) to generate viral RNAs (shown in orange and blue wires).

Project Description

The mainstream approach for antiviral drug discovery has primarily focused on viral proteins. However, discovering new antiviral targets to exploit other than proteins is crucial for effectively combating viral diseases. The goal of Project 5 is to develop antiviral drug candidates that target viral helicases. Helicases are enzymes that jumpstart DNA or RNA replication.

Viral helicases have a high potential as novel antiviral targets. All RNA viruses encode a helicase in their genomes that share numerous biochemical features. However, despite their potential, viral helicases have been neglected as viable antiviral targets.

They can serve as a novel antiviral target for RNA viruses with a high barrier to drug resistance.

Our highly experienced team will develop antivirals targeting viral helicases to provide effective therapeutic options for current and future pandemic viruses.

Our project will utilize state-of-the-art techniques, including ultra-high-throughput screens, AI-based drug design, and DNA-Encoded Chemistry Technology, to develop novel candidates.

Successful candidates will advance into drug-like small molecules with medicinal chemistry paired with computer-based drug design, drug metabolism studies, and in vivo antiviral efficacy studies.

SARS-CoV2 viral helicase (purple) is a key component in the viral replicase complex interacting with other viral proteins (e.g., viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase shown in green) to generate viral RNAs (shown in orange and blue wires).

Principal Investigator

Donghoon Chung, University of Louisville, Project 5, Helicase Inhibitor, Sars-Cov2, Covid-19 — **Donghoon Chung, Ph.D**

[email protected]

Deputy Investigator

thomas bannister, UF scripps biomedical research, small molecule discovery, drug design, pandemic, covid-19, viruses, midwest Avidd — **Thomas Bannister, Ph.D**

[email protected]

Deputy Investigator

Tim Spicer, uf scripps, virology, helicase inhibitors, drug development, virus, midwest avidd, midwest antiviral drug discovery center — **Tim Spicer, Ph.D**

[email protected]

Teresa Head-Gordon, Ph.D: UC Berkeley, midwest Avidd, drug discovery antiviral — **Teresa Head-Gordon, Ph.D: UC Berkeley**

[email protected]

Dahai Luo, Nanyang technical university singapore, Core C, Computational Virology, Ming Luo, Project 1, Small Molecule inhibitors, Georgia State University — **Dahia Luo, Ph.D: Nanyang Technical University, Singapore**

[email protected]

Damian Young, Ph.D, baylor, protease inhibitors, protein, covid-19, midwest Avidd, antiviral, pandemic — **Damian Young, Ph.D: Baylor College of Medicine (OSC)**

[email protected]

Kevin Raney, Ph.D: University of Arkansas, virology, helicase inhibitor, midwest AVIDD, midwest antiviral drug discovery center — **Kevin Raney, Ph.D: University of Arkansas**

[email protected]

Michael Cameron, Ph.D: UF Scripps, virology, covid-19, midwest AViDD, Midwest antiviral drug discovery center — **Michael Cameron, Ph.D: UF Scripps, OSC**

[email protected]

Rommie Amaro, Amaro Lab, Covid-19, Midwest AViDD, Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, — **Rommie Amaro, Ph.D: UC San Diego, OSC**

[email protected]

Principal Investigator

Deputy Investigator

Deputy Investigator

Co-Investigators and Other Significant Contributors (OSC)