Remdesivir exerts its antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 through which mechanism?
- A Inhibition of the main protease that cleaves viral polyproteins
- B Blockade of the spike protein and ACE2 receptor interaction
- C Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase after incorporation as an analogue ✓
- D Inhibition of host endosomal acidification
Correct answer: C. Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase after incorporation as an analogue
Explanation
Remdesivir is an adenosine nucleotide prodrug that is converted intracellularly to its active triphosphate form and incorporated by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, causing delayed chain termination. Main protease inhibition is the mechanism of nirmatrelvir, spike-ACE2 blockade describes neutralising monoclonal antibodies, and endosomal acidification blockade describes hydroxychloroquine, which failed in trials for COVID-19.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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