Hong Kong Med J 2009;15(Suppl 6):S15-6
Determination of the functions of the putative metal-binding domain of the SCV helicase
JD Huang, HZ Sun, JA Tanner, RM Watt
Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong
1. The inhibition of SARS coronavirus (SCV) helicase by bismuth compounds is mediated via the abilities of bismuth ions to displace (essentially required) zinc ions that are bound to cysteine residues located within the metal-binding domain.
2. Several novel bismuth compounds targeting SCV helicase have been synthesised. These compounds can inhibit SCV helicase activity and viral growth and potentially target other viruses.
2. Several novel bismuth compounds targeting SCV helicase have been synthesised. These compounds can inhibit SCV helicase activity and viral growth and potentially target other viruses.