Development of APOBEC3B inhibitors: Recent advances and perspectives

Wenjie Zhang1, Yuhang Wang1, Cheng Jiang1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.

Bioorganic Chemistry
|September 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3B (A3B) is a key player in viral immunity and tumor mutations. Inhibitors targeting A3B show promise for overcoming tumor drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3B (A3B) is a cytidine deaminase involved in viral immunity.
  • A3B contributes to tumor-associated mutations and is aberrantly expressed in various cancers.
  • Its role in promoting tumor growth, migration, and drug resistance makes it a therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, biological functions, and disease relevance of A3B.
  • To summarize current research on A3B inhibitors.
  • To discuss the design requirements and mechanisms of action for A3B inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of A3B structure, function, and disease association.
  • Systematic summary of reported A3B inhibitors.
  • Analysis of inhibitor design principles and modes of action.

Main Results:

  • A3B's dual role in viral defense and oncogenesis is highlighted.
  • Aberrant A3B expression correlates with aggressive tumor phenotypes and drug resistance.
  • Oligonucleotide and allosteric inhibitors demonstrate promising therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • A3B is a significant factor in cancer progression and drug resistance.
  • Targeting A3B offers a potential strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Further development of selective A3B inhibitors is warranted.

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