Human coronaviruses and therapeutic drug discovery

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are a global health concern with a lack of specific antiviral drugs.
• Significant research efforts are underway to identify and develop therapeutic agents against HCoVs, particularly SARS-CoV-2.
• Drug development targets include viral proliferation, host immune response modulation, and plant-derived compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the current landscape of drug development against HCoVs.
• To specifically focus on therapeutic strategies and clinical trials for SARS-CoV-2.
• To summarize advances in antiviral, immunomodulatory, and phytotherapeutic approaches.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of research studies, reviews, and clinical trials was performed.
• Databases searched included PubMed and CNKI for publications from January 2000 to October 2020.
• 159 publications were included from an initial 3248 identified studies.

Main Results:

• Drug development for HCoVs is progressing across three main categories: direct antivirals, host-targeting agents, and plant-derived compounds.
• Advances in drug development against SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted, including ongoing clinical trials.
• The review categorizes therapeutic strategies based on their mechanism of action against HCoV replication and host response.

Conclusions:

• Despite significant progress in drug discovery for HCoVs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficacy and safety profiles of some agents require further investigation.
• High-quality clinical studies are essential to validate potential treatments and guide pandemic control strategies.
• Further research is needed to provide evidence-based recommendations for managing HCoV infections, especially SARS-CoV-2.