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7083840 
Journal Article 
Review 
Potential therapeutic use of ebselen for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections 
Sies, H; Parnham, MJ; , 
2020 
Yes 
Free Radical Biology and Medicine
ISSN: 0891-5849
EISSN: 1873-4596 
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC 
NEW YORK 
156 
107-112 
English 
32598985 
WOS:000560135700005 
Ebselen is an organoselenium compound exhibiting hydroperoxide-and peroxynitrite-reducing activity, acting as a glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin enzyme mimetic. Ebselen reacts with a multitude of protein thiols, forming a selenosulfide bond, which results in pleiotropic effects of antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nature. The main protease (Mpro) of the corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is a potential drug target, and a screen with over 10,000 compounds identified ebselen as a particularly promising inhibitor of Mpro (Jin, Z. et al. (2020) Nature 582, 289-293). We discuss here the reaction of ebselen with cysteine proteases, the role of ebselen in infections with viruses and with other microorganisms. We also discuss effects of ebselen in lung inflammation. In further research on the inhibition of Mpro in SARS-CoV-2, ebselen can serve as a promising lead compound, if the inhibitory effect is confirmed in intact cells in vivo. Independently of this action, potential beneficial effects of ebselen in COVID-19 are ascribed to a number of targets critical to pathogenesis, such as attenuation of inflammatory oxidants and cytokines.