Virtual Screening to Identify the Protein Targets in Common Dental Pathogens Interacting with Menthol

Abstract

Deducing the molecular pathway underlying the antimicrobial effect of phytocompounds is an inevitable part of drug discovery. Selection of potential targets on the microbial pathogens will eventually lead to eradication of microbes and effective treatment. In this context, the present insilico study identifies vital targets in the dental pathogens interacting with menthol. The STITCHtool was used for identifying the protein drug interaction, VICMPred and VirulentPred tools were used for identifying the functional class and virulence nature of proteins. PSORTb was used to locate the sub-cellular location of the virulent proteins. The study results indicate that menthol interacts with virulence factors of Treponema denticola. These factors play a crucial role in cell survival and hence can be a good target for further in vitro and in vivo studies. To conclude, menthol was found to interact with crucial proteins of dental pathogens which can be targeted to achieve promising results.