Title:   Dalbavancin binds ACE2 to block its interaction with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and is effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models.

Author:Wang G, Yang ML, Duan ZL, Liu FL, Jin L, Long CB, Zhang M, Tang XP, Xu L, Li YC, Kamau PM, Yang L, Liu HQ, Xu JW, Chen JK, Zheng YT, Peng XZ, Lai R.

Publication Name:   CELL RESEARCH

Pub Year:2021

Volume: 31

Issue:1

Page Number:17-24

Doi:  10.1038/s41422-020-00450-0

IF: 20.507

Abstract:  Infectionwithsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic worldwide. Currently, however, noeffectivedrug or vaccineisavailabletotreat or prevent the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we report our discovery of a promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidate, the lipoglycopeptide antibioticdalbavancin, based on virtual screening of the FDA-approved peptide drug library combinedwithinvitro andinvivo functional antiviral assays. Our results showed thatdalbavancindirectlybindstohuman angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)withhigh affinity, thereby blockingitsinteractionwiththeSARS-CoV-2spikeprotein. Furthermore,dalbavancineffectively preventsSARS-CoV-2replicationinVero E6 cellswithan EC50 of similarto12 nM.Inboth mouse and rhesus macaquemodels, viral replication and histopathological injuries caused bySARS-CoV-2infectionare significantly inhibited bydalbavancinadministration. Givenitshigh safety and long plasma half-life (8-10 days) showninprevious clinical trials, our data indicate thatdalbavancinisa promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidate.