Viral and cellular RNA helicases as antiviral targets

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2005 Oct;4(10):845-53. doi: 10.1038/nrd1853.

Abstract

Although there has been considerable progress in the development of antiviral agents in recent years, there is still a pressing need for new drugs both to improve on the properties of existing agents and to combat the problem of viral resistance. Helicases, both viral and human, have recently emerged as novel targets for the treatment of viral infections. Here, we discuss the role of these enzymes, factors affecting their potential as drug targets and progress in the development of agents that inhibit their activity using the hepatitis C virus-encoded helicase NS3 and the cellular helicase DDX3 adopted for use by HIV-1 as examples.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • RNA Helicases / drug effects*
  • RNA Helicases / genetics
  • RNA Helicases / therapeutic use
  • RNA, Viral / drug effects*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / therapeutic use
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical / methods

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA Helicases