Molecular docking and simulation studies of Phyllanthus amarus phytocompounds against structural and nucleocapsid proteins of white spot syndrome virus.

White spot disease caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a lethal disease for shrimp. Envelope structural proteins play a major role in viral attachment and are believed to be the initial molecules to interact with the host cell. Thus, the envelope proteins have been preferred as a potential molecular target for drug discovery. In the present investigation, molecular docking and simulation analysis were performed to predict the binding efficiency of phytocompounds identified from Phyllanthus amarus with major envelope proteins, VP26, VP28, and VP110, and a nucleocapsid protein VP664 of WSSV. The docking result reveals that the compounds 2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol, 3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-acetate and 1,4-benzenediamine, N,N'-diphenyl exhibited highest binding energy with the envelope proteins. The mobility of protein-ligand binding complex at various time intervals was validated by molecular dynamics and simulation study. Therefore, P. amarus phytocompounds were found to be most suitable inhibitors for the antiviral treatment for WSSV infection.

Molecular docking and simulation studies of 3-(1-chloropiperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro benzisoxazole 2 against VP26 and VP28 proteins of white spot syndrome virus.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an aquatic virus infecting shrimps and other crustaceans, is widely distributed in Asian subcontinents including India. The infection has led to a serious economic loss in shrimp farming. The WSSV genome is approximately 300 kb and codes for several proteins mediating the infection. The envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 play a major role in infection process and also in the interaction with the host cells. A comprehensive study on the viral proteins leading to the development of safe and potent antiviral therapeutic is of adverse need. The novel synthesized compound 3-(1-chloropiperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro benzisoxazole 2 is proved to have potent antiviral activity against WSSV. The compound antiviral activity is validated in freshwater crabs (Paratelphusa hydrodomous). An in silico molecular docking and simulation analysis of the envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 with the ligand 3-(1-chloropiperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro benzisoxazole 2 are carried out. The docking analysis reveals that the polar amino acids in the pore region of the envelope proteins were involved in the ligand binding. The influence of the ligand binding on the proteins is validated by the molecular dynamics and simulation study. These in silico approaches together demonstrate the ligand's efficiency in preventing the trimers from exhibiting their physiological function.