2-Deoxy-D-glucose

Non-metabolizable glucose analog. An indirect inhibitor of hexokinase (HK), inhibiting the rate limiting step of glycolysis and consequently decreases glycolysis. Inhibits phosphorylation of glucose by hexokinase, which consequently results in the depletion in cellular ATP, the inhibition of protein glycosylation and the disruption of ER quality control by inducing the unfolded protein response. Useful agent for immunometabolism research. Anticancer agent. Shown to cause in vitro cell cycle inhibition and cell death in models of hypoxia, induce autophagy, increase reactive oxygen species production, activate AMPK and block tumor cell growth in animal models. Potential antiviral agent. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is potentially useful for COVID-19 treatment due to its effects on the glycolytic pathway, antiinflammatory activity and interaction with viral proteins. 2-DG has previously been shown to be effective against other viruses in cell culture. Blocking glycolysis with non-toxic concentrations of 2-deoxy-D-glucose prevented SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral growth in Caco-2 cells.