New insights in the mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 M inhibition by benzisoselenazolones and diselenides.

Although global vaccination campaigns alleviated the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in terms of morbidity and mortality, the ability of the virus to originate mutants may reduce the efficacy of vaccines, posing a serious risk of a renewed pandemic. There is therefore a need to develop small molecules capable of targeting conserved viral targets, such as the main protease (M). Here, a series of benzisoselenazolones and diselenides were tested for their ability to inhibit M; then the most potent compounds were measured for antiviral activity in vitro, and the mechanism of action was investigated.