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The herpesvirus encoded dUTPase as a potential chemotherapeutic target
A W Studebaker1, G K Balendiran, M V Williams
1Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, 2074 Graves Hall, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Current Protein & Peptide Science
|October 11, 2002
Summary
Human herpesviruses cause various diseases and latent infections. This review explores deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) as a novel drug target for developing new anti-herpesvirus therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Human herpesviruses (HHVs) cause a wide spectrum of diseases and establish latent infections.
- Known anti-herpesvirus agents target viral enzymes like thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase.
- Deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) is a less-explored HHV-encoded enzyme with potential as a therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on HHV-encoded dUTPase as a drug target.
- To identify challenges and limitations in targeting HHV dUTPase.
- To discuss novel strategies for developing dUTPase-targeted anti-herpesvirus drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HHV dUTPase.
- Analysis of molecular virology and biochemistry data.
- Exploration of rational drug design principles.
Main Results:
- HHV dUTPase has shown potential as a target for anti-herpesvirus drug development.
- Several challenges exist in effectively targeting HHV dUTPase.
- Advances in molecular virology enable the rational design of dUTPase inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- HHV dUTPase represents a promising, yet underexplored, target for novel anti-herpesvirus therapies.
- Overcoming current challenges requires innovative approaches to drug design and development.
- Targeting HHV dUTPase could lead to more effective treatments for herpesvirus infections.