In vitro Characterization of Peptidomimetic Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) as a Degrader of 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease (Mpro/3CLpro) against SARS-CoV-2
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) is a key target for antiviral development. We investigated FT235, a peptidomimetic PROTAC linking a GC-376 warhead to pomalidomide for targeted degradation. FT235 bound 3CLpro, inhibiting activity (IC50 = 21.2 {micro}M), and reducing protease levels in cells. In vitro data showed no cytotoxicity up to 100 {micro}M and variant-dependent antiviral activity, with increased potency in the presence of a P-gp inhibitor. These results support PROTAC-based antivirals as promising therapeutic candidates.
microbiology↗