Progress on the protein structure of tomato spotted wilt virus and the mechanism of inhibitor action

The genome of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) can encode various proteins, including RdRp, NSm, NSs, Gc, Gn, and N. Existing research primarily focuses on plant (tomato and chili pepper) resistance to TSWV mediated by resistance genes (Sw-5b and Tsw). Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of agents on the TSWV N proteins have been investigated. TSWV proteins have the potential to be used as molecular targets for pharmaceutical agents, however, the mechanism of action between TSWV proteins and pharmaceutical agents has not been systematically and comprehensively reported. This study presents a detailed analysis of the three-dimensional structures of resolved TSWV proteins and predicts the structures of four unresolved TSWV proteins using AlphaFold2 modeling. It also summarizes the advancement and application of TSWV resistance genes and TSWV inhibitors in plant protection. The potential molecular mechanisms of ningnanmycin, moroxydine, and ribavirin on TSWV proteins were analyzed, along with their possible sites of action. The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for subsequent comprehensive excavation and exploration of novel agents with anti-TSWV properties.