Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
12:42
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Valganciclovir: recent progress
1Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology/Immunology Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. mpescov@iupui.edu
Summary
Valganciclovir is effective for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and preventing its spread post-transplant. Extended use, even in children, offers benefits, though optimal dosing remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication approved for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections.
- Approved in 2001 for HIV-associated retinitis and 2003 for post-transplant CMV prevention.
- Its use in specific populations and for various indications continues to be evaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of valganciclovir use.
- To address controversies regarding its application, including duration, dosage, pediatric use, and treatment of CMV disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and studies on valganciclovir.
- Analysis of data concerning efficacy, safety, and dosing in different patient groups.
- Discussion of unresolved questions in valganciclovir therapy.
Main Results:
- Extended prophylaxis with valganciclovir demonstrates added benefit and is generally safe.
- An appropriate dosage for pediatric use has been identified.
- Oral valganciclovir is effective for treating CMV disease.
Conclusions:
- Valganciclovir is a valuable therapeutic option for CMV infections in various contexts.
- While optimal prophylaxis dosing requires further investigation, current evidence supports its extended use and efficacy in children and for treating CMV disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:25Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Viral replication and dissemination rely on efficient mechanisms for host cell entry, genome replication, assembly, and release. Influenza viruses, such as types A and B, are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a segmented genome, that depend on two critical surface glycoproteins to carry out these processes: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA initiates infection by binding to sialic acid residues on the surface of host epithelial cells, facilitating receptor-mediated...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...