Antiviral strategies targeting herpesviruses

Abstract

Herpesviruses, known as large DNA viruses, have a wide host range. In addition to human beings, cattle, and horses, even carp can be hosts for herpesvirus infection. Herpesviruses are pathogens possessing elaborate mechanisms that regulate host cell components for its replication, assembly and generating mature virus particles that can infect humans and most animals, usually causing multiple and lifelong infections. In addition, several human diseases, such as genital or mouth herpes, mononucleosis, and Burkitt lymphoma, are usually associated with herpesvirus infection. Blocking the steps of viral infection, such as entry, replication and assembly, may be an effective way for many different herpes viruses and their related diseases. Therefore, we aim to describe antiviral agents that are able to prevent herpesvirus entry, replication and assembly in host cells. We summarize antiviral strategies, including certain small molecular drugs, RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 system-based antiviral approaches, which represent promising approaches.

The Interplay of Genital Herpes with Cellular Processes: A Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Perspective

“…Latency is an interesting survival feature of HSV-2 as the viral genome is present in a non-infectious state with potential to cause recurrent infection [43]. The role of epigenetic regulation, latency-associated transcripts (LATs), factors responsible for the establishment and reversal of latency, and drugs targeting the latent virus are some of the important aspects of HSV-2 latency [11,18].…”

“…Infection, neuro-invasion, and latency establishment are HSV-2's key features [8][9][10]. Remarkably, under experimental conditions, HSV-2 demonstrates a host range beyond humans, causing diverse pathologies in various models [11][12][13].…”

Herpesvirus Diseases in Humans and Animals: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Charting Future Paths

“…The development of antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir and its derivatives, has improved patient outcomes. However, concerns about drug resistance and the persistence of latent infections remain [18,19].…”

In Vitro Antiviral Effect and Potential Neuroprotection of Salvadora persica L. Stem Bark Extract against Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Neuroinflammation in Mice: LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis of the Methanol Extract

“…Due to their latent neuron infections, HSV-1 and HSV-2 have a high prevalence in the human population, with lifelong infections and sporadic recurrences [ 20 ]. Variants of HSV that show resistance to the currently used antivirals are increasing, particularly in immunocompromised patients [ 21 ]. Therefore, it is crucial to discover novel antivirals that can decrease the severity and duration of the infections caused by such viruses.…”