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Using Zebrafish Models of Human Influenza A Virus Infections to Screen Antiviral Drugs and Characterize Host Immune Cell Responses
Published on: January 20, 2017
Influenza viruses: basic biology and potential drug targets
1Department of Microbiology, Box 1124, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. chris.basler@mssm.edu
Infectious Disorders Drug Targets
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Influenza A and B viruses cause significant illness and death annually. New antiviral strategies are needed due to limited drug options and emerging resistance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Influenza A and B viruses cause annual global morbidity and mortality.
- Influenza A viruses have caused devastating pandemics, with recent H5N1 avian outbreaks raising pandemic concerns.
- Current antiviral treatments target viral neuraminidase and M2 ion channels, but M2 inhibitors face resistance issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of influenza antiviral drugs.
- To highlight the limitations of existing treatments, including drug resistance.
- To explore emerging opportunities for novel antiviral strategies against influenza viruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of influenza virology and antiviral drug development.
- Analysis of current approved antiviral targets and their limitations.
- Identification of new potential targets within the influenza virus replication cycle.
Main Results:
- Approved influenza antivirals are limited to neuraminidase and M2 ion channel inhibitors.
- Amantadine and rimantadine (M2 inhibitors) exhibit significant drug resistance.
- The influenza virus replication cycle offers numerous potential targets for new drug development.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for novel antiviral therapies to combat influenza.
- Emerging research into the influenza virus replication cycle presents new opportunities for effective treatments.
- Developing drugs against new targets is essential to overcome existing resistance and improve pandemic preparedness.
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