A protein interaction map identifies existing drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2

Abstract Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging Betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), being the main cell receptor of SARS-CoV-2, plays a role in the entry of the virus into the cell. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs for the treatment and neither preventive drugs such as vaccines. Results: We proposed a bioinformatics analysis in order to test in silico existing drugs as a fast way to identify an efficient therapy. We found differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients correlated with ACE-2 and we explored their direct relations with a network approach. Conclusions: In this network we integrated drug-gene interactions and we proposed several drugs with antiviral activity that, alone or in combination with other treatment options, could be considered as therapeutic approaches against COVID-19.