Broad-spectrum antiviral strategy: Host-targeting antivirals against emerging and re-emerging viruses

• Published in: European journal of medicinal chemistry 2024-02, Vol.265, p.116069-116069, Article 116069
• Main Authors: He, Yong, Zhou, Jiahui, Gao, Huizhan, Liu, Chuanfeng, Zhan, Peng, Liu, Xinyong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Host-targeting antivirals; Medicinal chemistry; Virus-targeting antivirals
• ISSN: 0223-5234; 1768-3254
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116069

Viral infections are amongst the most prevalent diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Targeting viral proteins or host factors represents two primary strategies for the development of antiviral drugs. In contrast to virus-targeting antivirals (VTAs), host-targeting antivirals (HTAs) offer advantages in terms of overcoming drug resistance and effectively combating a wide range of viruses, including newly emerging ones. Therefore, targeting host factors emerges as an extremely promising strategy with the potential to address critical challenges faced by VTAs. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the discovery and development of HTAs, leading to the approval of maraviroc, a chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) antagonist used for the treatment of HIV-1 infected individuals, with several other potential treatments in various stages of development for different viral infections. This review systematically summarizes advancements made in medicinal chemistry regarding various host targets and classifies them into four distinct catagories based on their involvement in the viral life cycle: virus attachment and entry, biosynthesis, nuclear import and export, and viral release. [Display omitted] •Host-targeting antivirals offer promising prospects due to their broad-spectrum antiviral profiles and high genetic barrier against drug resistance.•This review systematically summarizes advancements made in medicinal chemistry regarding various host targets and classifies them into four different catagories based on the viral life cycle, namely virus attachment and entry, biosynthesis, nuclear import and export, viral assemble and release.•This review aims to provide insights for the development of the broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.