林良宗 ;ESPOSITO FRANCESCAMichelle Foti2026-05-062026-05-062024-12-17https://203.71.86.71/handle/123456789/9187學位別：碩士 口試委員：呂思潔; 皇甫維君; 林良宗; Esposito Francesca; Carla Maria Calo 關鍵字：SARS-CoV-2、SARS-CoV-2 variants、Antivirals、Entry inhibitorsHuman coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been recognized as newly emerged viruses linked to severe diseases, particularly due to urbanization and increased interactions with wildlife in wet markets, which facilitate species crossovers. SARS-CoV-2 remains a concern despite vaccination efforts, driven by the emergence of variants that evade immune responses through mutations in the spike protein, which is essential for viral entry and pathogenicity. These mutations can enhance the virus’s ability to bind to host cells and evade immune detection, highlighting the S protein as a potential target for antiviral drug development. In this study, we tested three compounds and identified Punicalagin as a notable inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 entry. While Punicalagin is recognized for its ability to inhibit viral replication by targeting 3CLpro and nsp13 helicase, its specific mechanism of action during viral entry remains under investigation. This study evaluates Punicalagin’s inhibitory activity on the viral entry of wild-type and variant strains in vitro, aiming to elucidate its target, whether the S protein or other essential proteases fundamental for spike activation, and clarify at which stage of viral entry this compound exerts its effects. Overall, our investigation clarifies that Punicalagin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 through a multi-target approach, not just at the entry point.系所名稱：國際醫學研究碩士學位學程thesis