SARS-CoV-2 Nidoviral RNA Uridylate‐Specific Endoribonuclease (NSP15); A Target Enabling Package

The non-structural protein 15 (NSP15, NendoUSARS-CoV-2) from severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is an uridylate-specific endoribonuclease, likely responsible in the viral immune evasion mechanism. This TEP provides a set of reagents for further interrogation of the molecular function of NSP15. We have established a purification protocol for the active protein for biochemical and structural studies. Moreover, we have crystallised the protein and performed a crystallographic fragment screen which yielded several hits. Data generated here will be used for the development of enzyme inhibitors that would illuminate the biological role of the gene product, and eventually point the way to new antiviral therapies.