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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Dengue virus nonstructural proteins as small-molecule targets: Advances, challenges, and future directions
Vrajesh B Pandya1, Kasinath Viswanathan1, S Sachchidanand1
1Zydus Research Centre, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Sarkhej Bavla NH8A, Moraiya, Ahmedabad, 382213, India.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Dengue is spreading globally, creating an urgent need for new treatments. This review covers recent progress in developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting dengue virus nonstructural proteins for prevention and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) is a growing global health concern, expanding beyond tropical zones due to climate change and urbanization.
- Existing prevention and treatment strategies for dengue are insufficient, highlighting a critical unmet medical need.
- Small-molecule inhibitors targeting viral proteins and host factors are a promising avenue for dengue therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors against dengue virus nonstructural (NS) proteins.
- To highlight key research directions for future development of dengue therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research published in the last five years.
- Focus on inhibitors targeting dengue virus nonstructural proteins (NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5).
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying small-molecule inhibitors for various dengue NS proteins.
- Several inhibitors show potent antiviral activity in preclinical studies.
- Challenges remain in optimizing inhibitor efficacy, safety, and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Targeting dengue virus nonstructural proteins is a viable strategy for developing novel antiviral therapies.
- Continued research and development are crucial to translate promising inhibitors into clinical applications.
- A multi-pronged approach, including vaccines and therapeutics, is necessary to combat the global dengue threat.
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