Abstract Biocidal agents such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are able to inactivate several coronaviruses including SARS‐CoV‐2. In this article, an insight into one mechanism for the inactivation of these viruses by those two agents is presented, based on analysis of previous observations during electron microscopic examination of several members of the orthocoronavirinae subfamily, including the new virus SARS‐CoV‐2. This inactivation is proposed to occur through Schiff base reaction‐induced conformational changes in the spike glycoprotein leading to its disruption or breakage, which can prevent binding of the virus to cellular receptors. Also, a new prophylactic and therapeutic measure against SARS‐CoV‐2 using acetoacetate is proposed, suggesting that it could similarly break the viral spike through Schiff base reaction with lysines of the spike protein. This measure needs to be confirmed experimentally before consideration. In addition, a new line of research is proposed to help find a broad‐spectrum antivirus against several members of this subfamily. The small molecules of the biocidal agents (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde) appear to interact with specific lysine residues in the spike protein of some coronaviruses resulting in conformational changes that can induce S1 shedding and hence spike inactivation. Ketone bodies (acetoacetate) may inactivate the spike protein in a similar way.
【저자키워드】 COVID‐19, Cytokine storm, virus inactivation, formaldehyde, Ketogenic diet, ketone bodies, fasting, glutaraldehyde, Preconditioning, Schiff base,