Ribavirin: a drug active against many viruses with multiple effects on virus replication and propagation. Molecular basis of ribavirin resistance

Curr Opin Virol. 2014 Oct:8:10-5. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.04.011. Epub 2014 May 19.

Abstract

Ribavirin has proven to be effective against several viruses in the clinical setting and a multitude of viruses in vitro. With up to five different proposed mechanisms of action, recent advances have begun to discern the hierarchy of antiviral effects at play depending on the virus and the host conditions under scrutiny. Studies reveal that for many viruses, antiviral mechanisms may differ depending on cell type in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses are thus required to accurately identify mechanisms to more optimally determine clinical treatments. In recent years, a growing number of ribavirin resistant and sensitive variants have been identified. These variants not only inform on the specific mechanisms by which ribavirin enfeebles the virus, but also can themselves be tools to identify new antiviral compounds.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Humans
  • Ribavirin / pharmacology*
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*
  • Viruses / drug effects*
  • Viruses / growth & development*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ribavirin