Thimoro Cheng

Publication Date

12-7-2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hagen, Timothy J.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Dengue virus (DENV) are from the same family and have many characteristics in common. Despite the similarities, no adequate vaccines or antivirals have been developed for DENV yet although many are commercially available for HCV. In this research, we investigated the relationship between HCV and DENV, especially their NS3/4A and NS2B/3 proteases, to aid in the development of antiviral against DENV. To achieve this, in-depth structural analyses of the complexes were conducted; and molecular modeling stimulation software were utilized to visualize the interactions of the enzymes with different potential inhibitors including a potent inhibitor, Aprotinin. All peptoids derived bound to the active site of the enzyme complex near the catalytic triad although the interactions were not as strong as those in Aprotinin itself. Nonetheless, they demonstrate a good potential to for targeting the NS2B/3 protease. Further optimizations include increasing the rigidity of the structure through cyclization and eliminating residues that do not participate in the interaction with the enzyme.

Extent

12 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS