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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Cyclin-dependent Kinases as Emerging Targets for Developing Novel Antiviral Therapeutics
Lucia Gutierrez-Chamorro1, Eudald Felip2, Ifeanyi Jude Ezeonwumelu1
1AIDS Research Institute-IrsiCaixa and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916, Badalona, Spain.
Abstract:
Besides its prominent role in cell proliferation, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key players in viral infections as both DNA and RNA viruses modify CDK function to favor viral replication. Recently, a number of specific pharmacological CDK inhibitors have been developed and approved for cancer treatment. The repurposing of these specific CDK inhibitors for the treatment of viral infections may represent a novel effective therapeutic strategy to combat old and emergent viruses. In this review, we describe the role, mechanisms of action, and potential of CDKs as antiviral drug targets. We also discuss the current clinical state of novel specific CDK inhibitors, focusing on their putative use as antivirals, especially against new emerging viruses.
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