Drug discovery in enteroviral infections

Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2011 Jun;11(3):337-45. doi: 10.2174/187152611795768060.

Abstract

Enteroviruses (EVs) are common and significant human pathogens in Asia. EV infections can cause a wide spectrum of acute diseases, including CNS complications. These EV infection-related CNS syndromes include acute flaccid paralysis, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and even death. Currently, there is no vaccine available for most EVs except for poliovirus; furthermore, there is a lack of clinical antiviral drugs for treating EV-related infections. These shortages reveal the need to develop potent compounds for treating enteroviral infections. This study summarizes the development of drugs for EV-related infections based on molecular targets blocking various steps in the viral replication cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Enterovirus / physiology*
  • Enterovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology*
  • Humans
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents