NIVB scientists at Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemstry in Prague deciphered the structure of a methyltransferase protein from the monkeypox virus. Due to the protein escapes human immunity and transmits the disease. Based on this discovery, they then prepared substances that can block the function of methyltransferase. The results of this research may constitute the first step towards creating a completely new group of antivirals. This applies not only to monkeypox, but also to diseases caused by other viruses, including COVID-19 induced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

A number of media outlets reported on the scientists’ success:

Radiožurnál

Techfocus

CzechCrunch

Pozitivní zprávy

Zdravé zprávy

SCIENCE mag

Original article:

Silhan, J.; Klima, M.; Otava, T.; Skvara, P.; Chalupska, D.; Chalupsky, K.; Kozic, J.; Nencka, R.; Boura, E. Discovery and structural characterization of monkeypox virus methyltransferase VP39 inhibitors reveal similarities to SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 methyltransferase. Nat Commun 2023, 14, 2259. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38019-1