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Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Farnesoid X receptor agonists as broad-acting antivirals: Evidence from hepatitis viruses and beyond?

Barnault Romain1, Vicente-Navarro Inés1, Lotteau Vincent1

  • 1CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France.

Antiviral Research
|July 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRα) agonists show broad-spectrum antiviral potential by influencing multiple steps of viral replication. Their established safety profile suggests repurposing for viral infections.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Virology
  • Metabolic regulation

Background:

  • Viruses rely on host cell metabolism for replication.
  • Farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRα) is a nuclear receptor regulating metabolism and immunity.
  • FXRα ligands are used for metabolic syndrome treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on FXRα agonism's role in viral infections.
  • To explore FXRα's potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating FXRα and viral pathogens.
  • Analysis of reported mechanisms of FXRα in modulating viral life cycles.

Main Results:

  • FXRα agonism impacts the replication of various viruses, including hepatotropic and enteric viruses.
  • FXRα influences multiple stages of viral replication, such as entry, transcription, and particle release.
  • FXRα does not appear to act through a single antiviral mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • FXRα plays a significant role in modulating viral life cycles.
  • FXRα agonists demonstrate potential as broad-spectrum antivirals.
  • Existing FXRα agonists, with established safety profiles, could be repurposed for antiviral therapies.

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