In Silico Therapeutic Study: The Next Frontier in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants

Abstract

COVID-19 has claimed around 7 million lives (from December 2019–November 2023) worldwide and continues to impact global health. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19 disease, is characterized by a high rate of mutations, which contributes to its rapid spread, virulence, and vaccine escape. While several vaccines have been produced to minimize the severity of the coronavirus, and diverse treatment regimens have been approved by the US FDA under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), SARS-CoV-2 viral mutations continue to derail the efforts of scientists as the emerging variants evade the recommended therapies. Nonetheless, diverse computational models exist that offer an opportunity for the swift development of new drugs or the repurposing of old drugs. In this review, we focus on the use of various virtual screening techniques like homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, QSAR, pharmacophore modeling, etc., in repurposing SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics against major variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron). The results have been promising from the computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies in suggesting potential compounds for the treatment of COVID-19 variants. Hence, in silico therapeutic studies represent a transformative approach that holds great promise in advancing our fight against the ever-evolving landscape of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.