Antiviral strategies against influenza virus: towards new therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Influenza viruses are major human pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases affecting millions of people worldwide and characterized by high morbidity and significant mortality. Influenza infections can be controlled by vaccination and antiviral drugs. However, vaccines need annual updating and give limited protection. Only two classes of drugs are currently approved for the treatment of influenza: M2 ion channel blockers and neuraminidase inhibitors. However, they are often associated with limited efficacy and adverse side effects. In addition, the currently available drugs suffer from rapid and extensive emergence of drug resistance. All this highlights the urgent need for developing new antiviral strategies with novel mechanisms of action and with reduced drug resistance potential. Several new classes of antiviral agents targeting viral replication mechanisms or cellular proteins/processes are under development. This review gives an overview of novel strategies targeting the virus and/or the host cell for counteracting influenza virus infection.

Protective effects of phillyrin against influenza A virus in vivo

“…Because of the side effects of marketed anti-influenza virus chemical drugs and the emergence of resistant virus strains, the use (Bijl 2011;Eshaghi et al 2014;Long 2007;Loregian et al 2014;Yoneda et al 2006). Oleaceae Fructus Forsythiae, a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat carbuncle, disperse lumps, alleviate stagnation, and expel wind and heat (Committee 2010;Zhao et al 2005;Zhaozhao et al 2007;Zuo et al 2003).…”

Virulence-Associated Enzymes of Cryptococcus neoformans

“…This appears to be the case with several viral medications. Drugs such as indinavir and oseltamivir inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease or influenza virus neuraminidase, respectively, and demonstrate the impact an enzymatic inhibitor can have in the clinic (130,131). The use of protease inhibitors has shown positive effects on C. neoformans and Candida albicans infections, where drug treatment was associated with inhibition of fungal growth and proliferation in vitro (132,133).…”

The PA Endonuclease Inhibitor RO-7 Protects Mice from Lethal Challenge with Influenza A or B Viruses

“…Despite the successful entry of these two endonuclease inhibitors into clinical trials, their structure and other preclinical data have not been disclosed. The development and refinement of the NAI class of antivirals (including the identification of NAI variants with enhanced activity, increased NA protein binding, and better bioavailability, and the development of multivalent analogues and NAIs conjugated to photodynamic and anti-inflammatory compounds) continues, despite the clinical availability of these drugs for two decades (57,58). Similarly, it is important to continue the study of other PA endonuclease inhibitors, including RO-7, with a view to future clinical trials.…”