Front Cover: Copper(II) Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

The cover image shows Cu(II) Schiff-base chelates, depicted as small molecular structures, just before binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, which is the multi-colored macromolecule. The research reveals that these chelates could disable this dangerous protein. Using induced-fit docking (IFD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the authors identified binding modes that likely would inhibit spike function. This work opens new avenues for developing broad-spectrum antiviral strategies, potentially offering a novel therapeutic approach against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. More details can be found in article ntls.70012 by Roberto A. Garza-López and co-workers.