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PROTACs in Antivirals: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives
Jiacheng Jin1, Mengxiang Quan1, Xueyan Cao1
1Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology offers a novel approach to antiviral therapy by degrading viral proteins. This method shows promise against viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HBV, addressing drug resistance and viral mutations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology revolutionizes cancer therapy by degrading previously undruggable targets.
- PROTACs are being explored for antiviral applications due to their unique mechanism of action.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research into PROTACs for infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application progress of PROTAC technology in antiviral therapy.
- To highlight successful PROTAC applications against various viral pathogens.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for antiviral PROTAC development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PROTAC technology in antiviral research.
- Analysis of PROTAC efficacy against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
- Exploration of novel strategies, including dual-target degradation.
Main Results:
- PROTACs demonstrate potential in degrading viral proteins and overcoming drug resistance.
- Successful applications have been noted against HBV, HCV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2.
- Challenges include targeting host factors and managing viral mutations.
Conclusions:
- PROTAC technology presents a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral therapeutics.
- A dual-target degradation strategy at the host-pathogen interface is proposed.
- Further research is needed to support the clinical translation of antiviral PROTACs.
Keywords:
PROTACantiviral therapydrug resistancehost–pathogen interactiontargeted protein degradationMore Related Videos
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