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09:29
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
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Biochemical principles and inhibitors to interfere with viral capping pathways
Etienne Decroly1, Bruno Canard1
1CNRS, Aix Marseille University, AFMB UMR7257, Marseille, France.
Current Opinion in Virology
|May 22, 2017
Summary
Viral messenger RNA (mRNA) capping enzymes are crucial for protein translation and virus replication. Inhibiting these viral enzymes offers a promising antiviral strategy by blocking protein synthesis and triggering innate immunity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) require a 5' cap structure for efficient protein translation.
- Viruses employ diverse strategies, including de novo synthesis or 'cap-snatching,' to acquire mRNA caps.
- Viral capping enzymes are essential for viral replication and represent potential antiviral targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review viral enzymes involved in mRNA capping.
- To discuss inhibitors of viral capping enzymes.
- To highlight biochemical features relevant for inhibitor discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral mRNA capping mechanisms.
- Analysis of existing and potential inhibitors targeting viral capping enzymes.
- Examination of biochemical properties of viral capping enzymes.
Main Results:
- Viral capping can be achieved through enzymatic synthesis or cap-snatching.
- Inhibition of viral capping enzymes impairs viral replication by reducing protein synthesis.
- Incompletely capped viral RNAs can activate cellular innate immunity sensors.
Conclusions:
- Viral capping enzymes are validated antiviral targets.
- Inhibitor development targeting these enzymes offers a dual antiviral approach: reducing viral translation and enhancing host immunity.
- Understanding enzyme biochemistry is key for designing effective antiviral inhibitors.
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