May 7, 2020 — A prominent Croatian scientist at a German research institute claims his team discovered the coronavirus’s “Achilles Heel”, an enzyme which guides its reproduction. The findings could pave the way for a potential cure.
Ivan Đikić said his team at the Institute of Biochemistry in Frankfurt discovered which enzymes help the coronavirus’s reproduction, offering a target for drugmakers that could stop the virus’s spread while also aiding the body’s own immune response to COVID-19.
“We are very excited to discover the secret of this virus,” Đikić said in an interview with Dnevnik.hr.
His research indicates the “PLpro” protein helps the virus infect other cells in order to multiply, while also suppressing the body’s immune response. The professor at Goethe University said the information could be used to create a “double therapy”.
“On the one hand, we destroy the virus in human cells, and on the other hand human cells stimulate the antiviral response by destroying those viruses that are still present in the body,” he said. “We are the first with a possible cure.”
The method remains untested, according to Đikić, adding the usual caveats before suggesting the discovery was a huge step towards a possible cure.
Focusing on #CoV-2 essential protease we found that inhibition of PLpro blocks viral spread and empowers host anti-viral responses.?A remarkable team effort, detailed study, inspirational, the best experience in my career. ?????#COVID19, #SARS_COV_2https://t.co/4rlziVXS64
— Ivan Đikić (@iDikic2) May 6, 2020
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences member studies the proteins which guide living cells, and how their degradation and disposal over time can lead to illnesses such as cancer and inflammation. Later, he used the same theories to study immune response.
Đikić has joined other prominent Croatian scientists in taking a public, active role in cheering on Croatia’s response to COVID-19 and putting the weight of the scientific community behind policy decisions.
The team’s work began in early March. The Institute scrapped all other projects and devoted all its resources toward the COVID-19 pandemic, Đikić said.
“We can’t succeed in treating COVID-19 if we don’t know anything about the coronavirus,” he said.
The molecular biologist tasked his team with finding the virus’s biochemical weakness, hoping to draw a clearer course towards a cure.
Many ongoing trials are using existing drugs chosen with some educated guessing and a dash of hope. Đikić’s team thinks their discovery can help guide researchers in which drugs they use.
His team first scanned all the coronavirus enzymes, after which they focused on one. “Within two months, with enthusiasm, hard work and complete focus, and collaboration with nine laboratories from Germany and the Netherlands, we were able to uncover the secret where the virus is weak,” Đikić said.
But all the hard work must create some material benefit. Đikić coincidentally read an article in the journal Science of a clinical trial in New York which may inhibit the very enzyme his team discovered. His fingers are crossed, hoping it works.
“If it is, then we have a boom, we have two great discoveries,” he said.
If the drug does not act on the enzyme, the search for a new drug could take six to 12 months, Đikić said.
The novelty and speed of Đikić’s discovery could shift how novel viruses are treated — if it works.
“It may take us a long time, but it will be huge for the future. Not only for this virus but also for new viruses,” he said.
Despite his high hopes, Đikić still said a vaccine is the only real way to end the global fight against COVID-19.
“While we do not have a vaccine, we must do everything we can to try to find a cure that will help spread the virus more slowly, make people less symptomatic, and protect vulnerable groups,” he said.
