In Silico and In Vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 PL(pro) with Gramicidin D

Finding an effective drug to prevent or treat COVID-19 is of utmost importance in tcurrent pandemic. Since developing a new treatment takes a significant amount of time, drug repurposing can be an effective option for achieving a rapid response. This study used a combined in silico virtual screening protocol for candidate SARS-CoV-2 PL(pro) inhibitors. The Drugbank database was searched first, using the Informational Spectrum Method for Small Molecules, followed by molecular docking. Gramicidin D was selected as a peptide drug, showing the best in silico interaction profile with PL(pro). After the expression and purification of PL(pro), gramicidin D was screened for protease inhibition in vitro and was found to be active against PL(pro). The current study’s findings are significant because it is critical to identify COVID-19 therapies that are efficient, affordable, and have a favorable safety profile.