Project description
A novel drug discovery sensor against SARS-CoV-2
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emphasised the need for antiviral drugs capable of inhibiting the pathogenicity of the virus. The proposed approach of the EU-funded SPOTLESS project relies on targeting the viral glycoprotein S known for its central role in virus attachment, fusion and entry into the host cell. To exert its function, the S glycoprotein must first be modified and activated by host cell proprotein convertases (PCs). To improve the drug screening process against PCs, the project proposes to develop novel sensors of cleavage having "cell-death" as readout in HTS settings. Implementation of the SPOTLESS strategy will simplify and expedite the drug discovery pipeline using a novel sustainable approach.
Objective
The novel SARS-CoV-2 is a lethal human pathogen with no FDA approved vaccines or drugs. An important step of the virus life-cycle is the viral glycoprotein S activation by Proprotein Convertases (PCs) which are proteases with a broad spectrum of cellular substrates. Inhibition of the processing step locks the virus into a form which eventually is no more pathogenic. Therefore, PCs represent attractive drug targets to fight against SARS-CoV-2. To date, there are no PCs inhibitors available for the in vivo use. Here, I propose three approaches to look for small molecule inhibitors of PCs, exploiting the virus cleavage site. Beside the classical in vitro screening, I aim to exploit novel PCs sensor platforms based on innovative ideas to ameliorate and simplify the readout. One attempt will see the use of luciferase reporters on the blueprint of sensors that I have recently published; following a second method, I will take advantage of the cellular death machinery as an on/off cleavage signal. In turn, these virtuous assays will contribute to a sustainable research approach. Novel PCs inhibitors are of great value against Covid-19 infections. Importantly, the inhibitors can be re-purposed against novel emerging pathogens, if necessary. Indeed, PCs dependence is becoming a distinctive mark of severe pathogenicity.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases RNA viruses coronaviruses
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
35122 Padova
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.