Comparative Mutagenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Proteins (NSPs) Across Variants: The Case for RdRp as a Therapeutic Target
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenicity has been studied extensively from the perspective of structural (S, E, M, N) proteins for purposes in vaccine development. The virus nonstructural protein (nsp) components are less characterized, and demonstrate significant potential in efforts to develop novel therapeutic agents. NSP 7, 8, and 12, formed from the cleavage of pp1a and pp1ab polyproteins, comprise the viral replicase (RdRp) complex1, the site for the mechanism of action of Remdesivir2. Presented herein is a phylogenetic analysis for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 replicase components between variant and related coronaviruses with the aim to delineate its current and long-term efficacy as a drug target.
genomics↗