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Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Published on: April 4, 2019
Pharmacological targets and emerging treatments for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Farah Elawar1, Ahmed K Oraby2, Quinten Kieser1
1Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a major global health threat. This review explores promising antiviral drug candidates and therapeutic targets to combat RSV infections in infants and vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a primary cause of infant hospitalizations and mortality globally.
- Current treatments, like Palivizumab, are limited in scope and impact.
- There is a critical unmet need for effective RSV vaccines and antivirals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of RSV proteins as potential therapeutic targets.
- To discuss promising antiviral drug candidates, their mechanisms, and clinical trial status.
- To analyze past failures and future considerations for RSV therapeutics and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of RSV virology and therapeutic development.
- Analysis of RSV protein functions and their suitability as drug targets.
- Evaluation of current and emerging antiviral drug candidates and vaccine research.
Main Results:
- Several RSV proteins are identified as viable therapeutic targets.
- Promising antiviral candidates targeting different viral mechanisms are in development.
- Understanding past failures is crucial for future successful RSV therapeutic and vaccine development.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress is being made in developing novel RSV antivirals and therapeutics.
- Targeting RSV proteins offers a promising strategy for new treatments.
- Continued research and development are essential to address the global burden of RSV.
Abstract:
RSV infection of the lower respiratory tract in infants is the leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations and second to malaria in causing infant deaths worldwide. RSV also causes substantial morbidity in immunocompromised and elderly populations. The only available therapeutic is a prophylactic drug called Palivizumab that is a humanized monoclonal antibody, given to high-risk infants. However, this intervention is expensive and has a limited impact on annual hospitalization rates caused by RSV. No vaccine is available, nor are efficacious antivirals to treat an active infection, and there is still no consensus on how infants with bronchiolitis should be treated during hospital admission. In this comprehensive review, we briefly outline the function of the RSV proteins and their suitability as therapeutic targets. We then discuss the most promising drug candidates, their inhibitory mechanisms, and whether they are in the process of clinical trials. We also briefly discuss the reasons for some of the failures in RSV therapeutics and vaccines. In summary, we provide insight into current antiviral development and the considerations toward producing licensed antivirals and therapeutics.
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