Caspofungin and LTX-315 inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting the nsp12 polymerase

Abstract The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, previously designated as 2019-nCoV) outbreak has caused global concern1. Currently, there are no clinically approved specific drugs or vaccines available for this virus. The viral polymerase is a promising target for developing broad- spectrum antiviral drugs. Here, based on the highly similar structure of SARS- CoV non-structural protein 12 (nsp12) polymerase subunit2, we applied virtual screen for the available compounds, including both the FDA-approved and under- clinic drugs, to identify potential antiviral molecules against SARS-CoV-2. We found two drugs, the clinically approved anti-fungi drug Caspofungin Acetate (Cancidas) and the oncolytic peptide LTX-315, can bind SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 protein to block the polymerase activity in vitro. Further live virus assay revealed that both Caspofungin Acetate and LTX-315 can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vero cells. These findings present promising drug candidates for treatment of related diseases and would also stimulate the development of pan- coronavirus antiviral agents.Authors Min Wang, Fei Ye, Jiaqi Su, Jingru Zhao, and Bin Yuan contributed equally to this work.