3C-like proteinase, SARS-CoV-2 (3CLP)

The 3CL protease from the human SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β-coronaviruses. It plays an indispensable role in  transcription and replication of viral RNAs and has been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus-caused infectious diseases, including COVID-19. 3CL protease is located within the non-structural proteins 3 (NS3) section of the viral polypeptide. As a  matured protein in a dimeric form, generally, the monomer of 3CLpro is a transient state that proved to be enzymatically less active, while the dimeric form acts as a functional unit with the highest hydrolytic activity. Considering that 3CLpros play a vital role in CoV replication, especially in SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV, these key hydrolases have been validated as promising targets for developing broad‐spectrum anti‐CoV agents.