SARS-COV-2 method of replication involves a series of subunits working together called viral nonstructural proteins (nsps) that create the RNA dependant RNA Polymerase complex (RdRp). The core component of this complex is the nsp12 protein which acts as the main catalytic subunit in the replication process however does require the aid of nsp7 and nsp8 that are involved in the binding and stabilization of nsp12 to the template primer to be catalyzed. Remdesivir, an inhibitory prodrug that inhibits the RdRp complex, has a great abundance of nitrogen and oxygen groups. Because of this there is a high affinity of hydrogen bonds between remdesivir and the RdRp complex that binds to particular amino acids and in turn they can no longer be used in their previous replicative functions. There are also ionic bonds, a salt bridge as well as one covalent bond between the prodrug and the primer strand.
Comments