An Integrative Approach for In Silico Study on Treating Molluscum Contagiosum with Snail Slime

The dermatological disease Molluscum contagiosum (MC) presents as lesions restricted solely to the skin. The poxvirus Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is responsible for this skin disease. There are four subtypes of MCV MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, and MCV-4. MCV-1 is the most commonly reported subtype found. The MCV MC159 protein belong to a family of proteins known as FLICE, FADD-like interleukin-1 -converting enzyme-inhibitory proteins (FLIPs). MC159 is characterized by the presence of two tandem death effector domains (DEDs) that regulate/inhibit Apoptosis. Apoptosis is an effective mechanism to destroy virus-infected cells. Snail Extract contains an extraordinary combination of natural ingredients that have proven beneficial healing properties for the human skin. Snail extract is rich in natural antibiotics and hydroxyl-acids which are excellent ingredients for regeneration of new skin. Snail extract contains Allantoin, Glycolic Acid, Collagen, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Elastin-all wonderful and, very important ingredients for healthy skin. Allantoin helps reduce scars and stretch marks. This study includes inhibitory effects of Allantoin (C4H6N4O3), a secondary metabolite present in the Snail slime of Snail Helix Aspersa which is approved in dermatology by FDA, against MC159 protein which inhibits the Apoptosis. And further docking study was performed using Accelerys Discovery studio 4.0. Further the drug was again scanned using another chemo informatics tools to check whether it has fulfilled the condition as a drug candidate.