Predictive Insights Into Bioactive Compounds from Streptomyces as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mutant Strains by Receptor Binding Domain: Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Approaches.

BACKGROUND

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in humans. To date, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly those involving mutations in the RBD, have been identified. These variants exhibit differences in transmission, pathogenicity, diagnostics, and vaccine efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

Although therapeutic agents are currently available to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, most provide supportive and symptomatic relief. Moreover, different variants may exhibit resistance to these treatments. This study aimed to identify a potential compound with favorable antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

METHODS

The study explored drug discovery through structure-based virtual screening of natural products (NPs) from the StreptomeDB database, targeting the ACE2-binding pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein. The analysis included the wild-type protein (PDB ID: 6VW1) as well as the Alpha, Beta, Delta, Lambda, Omicron/BA.1, and Omicron/BA.2 variants.

RESULTS

In silico screening identified 'Stambomycin B' as a potential compound with the highest binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations of the complexes, conducted over 100 ns, confirmed the prediction that 'Stambomycin B' could inhibit different SARS-CoV-2 variants effectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that 'Stambomycin B', a macrolide compound produced by Streptomyces ambofaciens, may be a candidate NP for effectively combating all mutants that occur in the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to ACE2, even those that may arise in the future.