Identification of Prospective Ebola Virus VP35 and VP40 Protein Inhibitors from Myxobacterial Natural Products

Abstract

The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a lethal pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever syndrome which remains a global health challenge. In the EBOV, two multifunctional proteins, VP35 and VP40, have significant roles in replication, virion assembly, and budding from the cell and have been identified as druggable targets. In this study, we employed in silico methods comprising molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, and pharmacological properties to identify prospective drugs for inhibiting VP35 and VP40 proteins from the myxobacterial bioactive natural product repertoire. Cystobactamid 934-2, Cystobactamid 919-1, and Cittilin A bound firmly to VP35. Meanwhile, 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine, Enhypyrazinone B, and Sorangiadenosine showed strong binding to the matrix protein VP40. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that, among these compounds, Cystobactamid 919-1 and 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine had stable interactions with their respective targets. Similarly, molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) calculations indicated close-fitting receptor binding with VP35 or VP40. These two compounds also exhibited good pharmacological properties. In conclusion, we identified Cystobactamid 919-1 and 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine as potential ligands for EBOV that target VP35 and VP40 proteins. These findings signify an essential step in vitro and in vivo to validate their potential for EBOV inhibition.