Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
11:34
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
13.2K
Arbidol as a broad-spectrum antiviral: an update
Julie Blaising1, Stephen J Polyak2, Eve-Isabelle Pécheur1
1CRCL, Inserm U1052, CNRS 5286, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.
Antiviral Research
|April 29, 2014
Summary
Arbidol (ARB), a broad-spectrum antiviral, shows promise for treating various viral infections. Its dual action targets viruses directly and host cells, offering a novel therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Arbidol (ARB) is an indole derivative used in Russia and China for influenza and other respiratory viral infections.
- ARB exhibits inhibitory activity against a wide range of viruses, including hepatitis B and C, gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic fevers, and encephalitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of Arbidol as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
- To examine ARB's physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and molecular mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Arbidol.
- Analysis of ARB's interactions with viral membranes and host cell components.
- Evaluation of ARB's efficacy in animal and human studies for various viral infections.
Main Results:
- ARB's broad-spectrum antiviral activity may stem from dual interactions with membranes and protein aromatic amino acids.
- ARB functions as both a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) and a host-targeting agent (HTA).
- Recent studies support ARB's potential clinical use in diverse viral infections.
Conclusions:
- Arbidol presents a promising broad-spectrum antiviral candidate.
- Its unique dual-action mechanism warrants further investigation for various viral diseases.
- Prospective clinical applications of ARB in treating emerging and prevalent viral infections are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
58
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...
58
01:15Antifungal Agents
119
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to...
119
01:29Subviral Agents
933
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
933
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
1.0K
Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
1.0K
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
59
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
59
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
25
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion...
25