Targeting the Viral Entry Pathways through Repurposed Drugs in Sars-Cov-2 Infection

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family coronviradae and the disease caused by this virus is known as COVID-19. Viral entry into the cell is favored by spike glycoprotein, which interacts with Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2). Moreover, proteins such as Transmembrane Protease Serine-2 (TMPRSS-2), are responsible for viral fusion with cellular epithelium. Traditional drug discovery methods and their development process are time-consuming as well as expensive. Thus, there is a need for a method that can overcome such drawbacks. Drug repurposing is an approach in which we can use an existing drug that is already being used for another disease. The repurposing of drugs is also known as repositioning. It is the process that identifies new therapeutic use for existing or available drugs. Hydroxychloroquine inhibits ACE-2 glycosylation virus entry to the host body; arbidol prevents fusion of viral lipid shell with cell membrane hence restricting contact and penetration of virus. Drug repurposing could be a successful strategy for the treatment of sporadic, neglected diseases, difficult-to-treat diseases, and the current pandemic situation, i.e., COVID-19. However, there is no denying the fact that there are several limitations to this approach.