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Repurposing Antifungals for Host-Directed Antiviral Therapy?
Sebastian Schloer1,2, Jonas Goretzko1, Ursula Rescher1
1Institute-Associated Research Group "Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, and "Cells in Motion" Interfaculty Centre, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2022
Summary
Emerging viral infections pose significant global health risks. This study explores repurposing antifungals as host-directed therapies to combat viral infections and circumvent drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Emerging viruses present a substantial threat to global health due to their epidemic and pandemic potential.
- Vaccination, while effective, can lead to immune escape mutants, necessitating alternative strategies for viral infection control.
- Antiviral drug resistance arises rapidly due to viral mutations, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of repurposed antifungal drugs as host-directed therapies against viral infections.
- To summarize the mechanisms and modes of action for using antifungals to control viral replication.
- To provide an overview of host-directed strategies that circumvent antiviral resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on host-directed therapies.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which antifungals could interfere with viral replication cycles.
- Examination of drug repurposing strategies for antiviral interventions.
Main Results:
- Host-directed therapies target host factors essential for viral replication, offering a strategy to overcome resistance.
- Antifungals, when repurposed, show potential as anti-infectives by modulating host responses or directly inhibiting viral processes.
- Drug repurposing leverages existing safety profiles of licensed medications for new therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Repurposed antifungals represent a promising avenue for host-directed antiviral therapy.
- This approach circumvents the issue of rapid viral resistance development seen with direct antivirals.
- Further research into antifungal mechanisms could yield novel treatments for emerging viral threats.
