RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A pomegranate peel extract as inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Spike binding to human ACE2 (<em>in vitro</em>): a promising source of novel antiviral drugs
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2020.12.01.406116
DO 10.1101/2020.12.01.406116
A1 Annalisa Tito
A1 Antonio Colantuono
A1 Luciano Pirone
A1 Emilia Pedone
A1 Daniela Intartaglia
A1 Giuliana Giamundo
A1 Ivan Conte
A1 Paola Vitaglione
A1 Fabio Apone
YR 2020
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/12/01/2020.12.01.406116.abstract
AB Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes, with potential antiviral activities. As the dramatic outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thousands of scientists are working tirelessly trying to understand the biology of this new virus and the disease pathophysiology, with the main goal to discover effective preventive treatments and therapeutic agents. Plant-derived secondary metabolites may play key roles in preventing and counteracting the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections by inhibiting the activity of several viral proteins, in particular those involved in the virus entry into the host cells and its replication. In this study, by using different in vitro approaches, we uncovered the role of a pomegranate peel extract in attenuating the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and the human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and in inhibiting the activity of the virus 3CL protease. Although further studies will be determinant to assess the efficacy of this extract in vivo, our results open up new promising opportunities to employ natural extracts for the development of effective and innovative therapies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.PPEpomegranate peel extractSspike proteinPCpunicalaginEAellagic acidGAgallic acidEAsellagic acid derivativesACE2angiotensin-converting enzyme 2SARS-CoV-2Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 19