Repurposing Doxycycline for the Inhibition of Monkeypox Virus DNA Polymerase: A Comprehensive Computational Study

Abstract The global spread of monkeypox, caused by the double-stranded DNA monkeypox virus (MPXV), has underscored the urgent need for effective antiviral treatments. In this study, we aim to identify a potent inhibitor for MPXV DNA polymerase (DNAP), a critical enzyme in the virus replication process. Using a computational drug repurposing approach, we performed a virtual screening of 1,615 FDA-approved drugs based on drug-likeness and molecular docking against DNAP. Among these, 1,430 compounds met Lipinski's rule of five for drug-likeness, with Doxycycline emerging as the most promising competitive inhibitor, binding strongly to the DNAP active site with a binding affinity of − 9.3 kcal/mol. This interaction involved significant hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic contacts, with Doxycycline demonstrating a stronger affinity than established antivirals for smallpox, including Cidofovir, Brincidofovir, and Tecovirimat. Stability and flexibility analyses through a 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation and normal mode analysis confirmed the robustness of Doxycycline binding to DNAP. Overall, our results suggest Doxycycline as a promising candidate for monkeypox treatment, though additional experimental and clinical studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and clinical utility.