Therapeutic dilemma in the repression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 proteome

Currently, the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has unprecedentedly captivated its human hosts by causing respiratory illnesses because of evolution of the genetic makeup of novel coronavirus (CoV) known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS CoV‐2). As much as the researchers are inundated for the quest of effective treatments from available drugs, the discovery and trials of new experimental drugs are also at a threshold for clinical trials. There has been much concern regarding the new and targeted drugs considering the comprehensive ambiguity regarding the mechanism and pathway of the drug action with respect to the new and unpredictable structural and nonstructural proteins (NSPs) of SARS CoV‐2. This study was aimed to discuss functional pathways related to NSPs in CoVs with updated knowledge regarding SARS CoV‐2, mechanisms of action of certain approved and investigational drugs for correct orientation regarding the treatment strategies, including nucleotide analog mechanism, receptor analog mechanism, and peptide–peptide interactions, along with the impact of COVID‐19 on a global scale. Although there is a dire need for targeted drugs against SARS CoV‐2, the practical achievement of its cure is possible by only using effective drugs with appropriate mechanisms to eliminate the disease.

The lack of vaccine, oriented medicine and socio‐economic burdens are escalating around the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. The resurgence of the COVID‐19 might be increased if the official lockdowns are lifted in underdeveloped countries, ultimately increasing the risks of pandemic. Presently, providing financial support to underdeveloped countries and utilizing existing medicine and genetics of SARS CoV‐2 can be helpful in treatment. NSPs and structural proteins are equally important in antiviral therapy, as NSP14 exonuclease and NSP16 2′ O‐methyl transferase are seemingly promising targets for anti‐COVID‐19 treatment. However, exceptional diligence is required for the selection of a suitable drug manifested by its mechanism of action against SARS CoV‐2, along with the implementation of smart WHO recommended policies to effectively eradicate the current COVID‐19 pandemic.

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Editorial tracking submission: https://www.longdom.org/submissions/drug-designing-open-access.html

Nancy Ella
Editor Board
Drug Designing: Open Access
drugdesign@eclinicalsci.org