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


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Silme R. S.

Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, cilt.15, sa.2, ss.745-763, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

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 Cterminal 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.