Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
[New drug targets of herpesviruses]
Akihisa Kato1, Yasushi Kawaguchi
1Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo.
Abstract:
Human herpesviruses are common human pathogens associated with a variety of diseases. Most of the currently available antiviral agents used in the treatment of herpesviruses inhibit the same target, the viral DNA polymerase. Although these drugs are effective, several drawbacks are associated with their use, including toxicity and emergence of drug resistance. In order to fulfill the unmet medical needs in the treatment of herpesvirus infections, development of new drugs which target other mechanism(s) of currently available anti-herpesviral agents will be needed. This review article focuses on the latest and potential drug targets of herpesviruses and their target validation.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses
Subviral Agents

