Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile virus and the recently re-emerging Zika virus, are an increasing and probably lasting global risk. This Review summarizes and comments on the opportunities for broad-spectrum agents that are active against multiple flaviviruses. Broad-spectrum activity is particularly desirable to prepare for the next flaviviral epidemic, which could emerge from as-yet unknown or neglected viruses. Potential molecular targets for broad-spectrum antiflaviviral compounds include viral proteins, such as the viral protease or polymerase, and host targets that are exploited by these viruses during entry and replication, including α-glucosidase and proteins involved in nucleoside biosynthesis. Numerous compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity have already been identified by target-specific or phenotypic assays. For other compounds, broad-spectrum activity can be anticipated because of their mode of action and molecular targets.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 565-586 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Nature Reviews Drug Discovery |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 31 2017 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery