In silico identification of chikungunya virus replication inhibitor validated using biochemical and cell‐based approaches

Abstract

Discovering an alternative therapy with a long‐lasting effect on symptoms caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is prompted by the lack of a vaccine and the absence of safe, effective and non‐toxic medications. One potential strategy is synthesizing or identifying small compounds that can specifically target the active site of an essential enzyme and prevent virus replication. Previous site‐directed mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the macrodomain, which is a part of non‐structural protein 3 (nsP3), in virus replication. Exploiting this fact, the macrodomain can be targeted to discover a natural substance that can inhibit its function and thereby impede virus replication. With this aim, the present study focused on potential CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain (nsP3MD) inhibitors through in silico, in vitro and cell‐based methods. Through virtual screening of the natural compound library, nine nsP3MD inhibitors were initially identified. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to evaluate these nine compounds based on the stability of their ligand–receptor complexes and energy parameters. Target analysis and ADMET (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) prediction of the selected compounds revealed their drug‐like characteristics. Subsequent in vitro investigation allowed us to narrow the selection down to one compound, N‐[2‐(5‐methoxy‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl) ethyl]‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐4‐carboxamide, which exhibited potent inhibition of CHIKV growth. This molecule effectively inhibited CHIKV replication in the stable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cell line capable of producing CHIKV. Our findings demonstrate that the selected compound possesses substantial anti‐CHIKV nsP3MD activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a promising molecule for further preclinical studies to develop a potential drug against the CHIKV.