Molecular Similarity Relating to a Peptide Sequence Common toAngiotensin II (ANGII) and SARS-Cov2 S-Protein

The peptidase entity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) accommodates the receptor-binding domain of SARS-COV2 spike (S) protein initiating cell infection. Compounds binding to ACE2 or the S-protein have the potential to impair cell entry by the virus. The ACE2 substrate angiotensin II (ANGII) shares common amino acid sequences with the S-protein. This study focuses on one sequence, the N-terminal valine/arginine/aspartate peptide of ANGII. Computer modeling identifies relative molecular similarity within the tripeptide sequence and ligands for ACE2, ANGII and sigma receptor proteins with in vitro toxicity for SARS-CoV2. Molecular similarity is also evident within drug structures of several neurotransmitter classes and agents from natural sources. Application of these observations may prove useful for the further development of SARS-CoV2 antiviral drugs.