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Published on: July 27, 2021
Understanding the structure of measles virus and its implications for novel drug discovery
Liuan Chen1, Shunsuke Kita1, Hideo Fukuhara2,3
1Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, and Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Introduction:
Despite having a stably effectively vaccine for decades, the Measles virus (MV) still causes periodic outbreaks given its highly contagious nature and a consistent decline in immunization coverage, which was further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to reduced immunization rates. Equally concerning, there are also no approved treatments for measles.
Areas Covered:
Herein, the authors explore the current challenges of MV therapy discovery. Firstly, the article will provide an overview of the potential drug-targeted steps in the MV infection process, followed by discussion on the characteristics of existing drugs as well as the feasibility of structure-based drug discovery. Finally, the authors highlight the current progress in the field and the future opportunities for antiviral development. This article is based on a literature review including original publications, standard sources, the Protein Data Bank and clinical trials.
Expert Opinion:
First and foremost, a comprehensive structural analysis of neutralizing antibodies and RdRp inhibitors is required for efficient antiviral development. Moreover, the therapeutic prospects and current limitations for acute MV and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) treatments should be considered. Due to various factors including mutations, the development of broad-spectrum antivirals may minimize many of the existing barriers.
Insights
Measles virus (MV) outbreaks persist due to declining vaccination and lack of treatments. This review explores challenges and opportunities in discovering new MV therapies and antivirals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Measles virus (MV) remains a public health threat causing periodic outbreaks, exacerbated by declining immunization coverage.
- The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced vaccination rates, increasing measles risk.
- Currently, no approved treatments exist for measles, highlighting an urgent need for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the challenges and opportunities in measles virus (MV) therapy discovery.
- To provide an overview of potential drug targets within the MV infection cycle.
- To discuss existing drug characteristics and the feasibility of structure-based drug discovery for MV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of original publications and standard sources.
- Analysis of data from the Protein Data Bank.
- Examination of clinical trial information.
Main Results:
- Identification of potential drug-targeted steps in the MV infection process.
- Evaluation of existing drug characteristics and structure-based drug discovery feasibility.
- Highlighting current progress and future opportunities for antiviral development against MV.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive structural analysis of neutralizing antibodies and RdRp inhibitors is crucial for effective antiviral development.
- Therapeutic strategies for acute measles and SSPE require consideration of current limitations.
- Development of broad-spectrum antivirals could overcome barriers posed by viral mutations and improve treatment outcomes.
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