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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
Oligomeric nucleic acids as antivirals
Alessandra Mescalchin1, Tobias Restle
1Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine (CSCM), Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany.
Abstract:
Based on the natural functions and chemical characteristics of nucleic acids, a variety of novel synthetic drugs and tools to explore biological systems have become available in recent years. To date, a great number of antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference-based tools, CpG‑containing oligonucleotides, catalytic oligonucleotides, decoys and aptamers has been produced synthetically and applied successfully for understanding and manipulating biological processes and in clinical trials to treat a variety of diseases. Their versatility and potency make them equally suited candidates for fighting viral infections. Here, we describe the different types of nucleic acid-based antivirals, their mechanism of action, their advantages and limitations, and their future prospects.
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