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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
11:34
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
The VIZIER project: preparedness against pathogenic RNA viruses
B Coutard1, A E Gorbalenya, E J Snijder
1Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, and Universités d'Aix-Marseille I et II, UMR 6098, ESIL Case 925, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France.
Antiviral Research
|December 18, 2007
Summary
The VIZIER project aims to prepare for unknown RNA viruses by studying conserved viral replication enzymes. Determining viral replicase crystal structures provides a foundation for rapid antiviral drug development against emerging threats.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Emerging RNA viruses pose significant public health threats.
- Antiviral drug development is slow, hindering preparedness for novel viral outbreaks.
- A proactive strategy is needed to rapidly respond to new viral threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish scientific foundations for countering emerging RNA viruses.
- To study conserved viral enzymes (replicases) as drug targets.
- To generate critical knowledge for rapid antiviral research.
Main Methods:
- Multidisciplinary approach including bioinformatics, viral genomics, proteomics, and structural biology.
- Determination of viral replicase crystal structures for diverse RNA viruses.
- Pre-lead discovery to identify potential antiviral scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive coverage of RNA virus diversity through structural studies.
- Identification of conserved viral replicase structures.
- Generation of knowledge applicable to emerging viral threats.
Conclusions:
- The VIZIER project provides a framework for rapid response to emerging RNA viruses.
- Structural determination of viral replicases is key to accelerating antiviral drug design.
- Proactive research on viral enzymes enhances global health security.
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