Repurposing Pheophorbide a as an Antiviral Molecule for Human Papillomavirus type 16

Authors : Ragıp Soner Silme

Pages : 745-763

Doi:10.31466/kfbd.1607109

View : 48 | Download : 27

Publication Date : 2025-06-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The emergence of human papillomavirus (HPV) among the human population in different regions of the world has heightened the interest for new treatment methods. Molecular docking is a reliable and predictive method for screening of new potential antiviral molecules against pathogens. The retrieved 42 high-quality whole-genome sequences of HPV were analyzed in search of a stable region which is exist in the genome. The protein encoded by this stable region was targeted for protein-ligand interaction. Consequently, a target constant region which is responsible for encoding the C-terminal domain (monomer) of the HPV45 oncoprotein E7 (PDB: 2ewl) with various regulatory functions for the virus was detected. A ligand “Pheophorbide a (C35H36N4O5)” interacts with this protein, which could be used against HPV. Pheophorbide a has also been commercially used for cancer treatments due to its anti-proliferative effects and photosensitizer property in photodynamic therapy. This possible antiviral property of Pheophorbide a should be tested on other high-risk and low-risk Papillomaviruses since the E7 oncoprotein also plays a central role in many other HPV types. The predictive results need confirmation with further clinical and in vitro studies. The findings will provide new insights into HPV-human cell interactions, induced immunity, and new methods for HPV treatment.
Keywords : Antiviral, Antikanser, HPV, İnsan papilloma virüsü, Feoforbid a

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