Investigating into the molecular interactions of flavonoids targeting NS2B-NS3 protease from ZIKA virus through in-silico approaches

Zika virus (ZIKV), belongs to the flavivirus genus and Flaviviridae family that associated with serious diseased conditions like microcephaly and other neurological disorders (Guillan-Barre syndrome). As there is no vaccine or therapies available against ZIKV to date. Hence, it is an unmet need to find potential drug candidates and target sites against Zika virus infection. NS2B-NS3 protease making an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in ZIKV infections because of its critical role in hydrolysis of a single polyprotein encoded by Zika virus. Recently, there are some experimental evidence about the flavonoids as Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors. However, molecular interaction between protease complex and inhibitors at atomic levels has not been explored. Here, we have taken the experimentally validated thirty-eight flavonoids inhibitors against NS2B-NS3 protease to examine the molecular interaction using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. We found out few flavonoids such as EGCG and its two derivatives, isoquercetin, rutin and sanggenon O showing interaction with catalytic triad (His51, Asp75, and Ser135) of the active site of NS2B-NS3 protease and found to be stable throughout the simulation. Therefore it is evident that interaction with the catalytic triad playing a vital role in the inhibition of the enzyme activity as a result inhibition of the virus propagation. However these compounds can be explored further for understanding the mechanism of action of these compounds targeting NS2B-NS3 protease for inhibition of Zika virus. Investigating into the Molecular Interactions of Flavonoids targeting NS2B-NS3 protease from ZIKA virus through in-silico approaches [GRAPHICS] ZIKA virus protease (NS2B-NS3pro) is essential for ZIKA virus replication and maturation. Therefore targeting this protein complex with potential inhibitors will block the viral replication. Here we revealed the interaction of the flavonoids, a successful ZIKA NS2B-NS3pro inhibitors through Molecular modeling and Simulation studies.

Automated summary

With no vaccine or therapies available against the Zika virus to date, there is an urgent need to find potential drug candidates. The NS2B-NS3 protease is considered an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, with flavonoids showing promise as inhibitors. Further research is needed to explore the molecular interactions and mechanism of action of these compounds targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease for inhibition of Zika virus replication.