This is a model of the Papain-like protease enzyme, and the interactions it has with the VIR250 inhibitor. Protease is a enzyme, which breaks up larger proteins into smaller proteins. This enzyme cuts and releases the sp1, nsp2, nsp3 which are critical for the virus to replicate, it also helps suppress the host immune response. The protease enzyme also has deubiquitinating (dub) and deisgylating functions, which both have actions that act on the host immune system. Once the inhibitor binds to the protease, it causes the active site of the large enzyme to change shape around the substrate (inhibitor), then a covalent thioether permanent bond forms, this stops the enzyme from forming bonds to any of its normal targets in the future. With future development the VIR250 inhibitor could be used to develop a antiviral drug, there still needs to be a lot more testing as there are concerns that it could interfere with some of the host own process which could lead to side effects.
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