Viral and cellular RNA helicases as antiviral targets.
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.
Kwong
Ann D
AD
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Rao
B Govinda
BG
Jeang
Kuan-Teh
KT
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020365:RNA Helicases / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral; D020365:RNA Helicases