Inhibitors of VPS34 and fatty-acid metabolism suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication

Coronaviruses rely on host membranes for entry, establishment of replication centers, and egress. Compounds targeting cellular membrane biology and lipid biosynthetic pathways have previously shown promise as antivirals and are actively being pursued as treatments for other conditions. Here, we test small molecule inhibitors that target the PI3 kinase VPS34 or fatty acid metabolism for anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity. Our studies determine that compounds targeting VPS34 are potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Mechanistic studies with compounds targeting multiple steps up- and downstream of fatty acid synthase (FASN) identify the importance of triacylglycerol production and protein palmitoylation as requirements for efficient viral RNA synthesis and infectious virus production. Further, FASN knockout results in significantly impaired SARS-CoV-2 replication that can be rescued with fatty acid supplementation. Together, these studies clarify roles for VPS34 and fatty acid metabolism in SARS-CoV- 2 replication and identify promising avenues for the development of countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

This study reveals that compounds targeting VPS34 and fatty acid metabolism are potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, with triacylglycerol production and protein palmitoylation identified as crucial for viral RNA synthesis and infectious virus production. FASN knockout results in impaired SARS-CoV-2 replication, which can be rescued by fatty acid supplementation, pointing towards promising avenues for countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.