Inhibition of the Hepatitis C Virus Ns3/4A Protease the Crystal Structures of Two Protease-Inhibitor Complexes
Di Marco, S., Rizzi, M., Volpari, C., Walsh, M., Narjes, F., Colarusso, S., De Francesco, R., Matassa, V.G., Sollazzo, M.(2000) J Biological Chem 275: 7152
- PubMed: 10702283 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.275.10.7152
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1DXP, 1DY8, 1DY9 - PubMed Abstract: 
The hepatitis C virus NS3 protein contains a serine protease domain with a chymotrypsin-like fold, which is a target for development of therapeutics. We report the crystal structures of this domain complexed with NS4A cofactor and with two potent, reversible covalent inhibitors spanning the P1-P4 residues. Both inhibitors bind in an extended backbone conformation, forming an anti-parallel beta-sheet with one enzyme beta-strand. The P1 residue contributes most to the binding energy, whereas P2-P4 side chains are partially solvent exposed. The structures do not show notable rearrangements of the active site upon inhibitor binding. These results are significant for the development of antivirals.
- Biotechnology, Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00040 Pomezia, Rome, Italy.
Organizational Affiliation: