Influenza H5Nx viruses are susceptible to MEK1/2 inhibition by zapnometinib.

ABSTRACT: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (HPAIV) pose a significant threat to both animal and human health. These viruses have the potential to cause severe respiratory and systemic infections in birds and several mammalian species. The recent global outbreak of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b spread in wild and domestic birds is now considered to be a panzoonosis. Spillover events in dairy cattle farms in the U.S. have highlighted the urgent need for effective antiviral therapies, especially in view of human infections. This study investigates the selective MEK1/2 inhibitor zapnometinib (ZMN) as a potential antiviral agent against HPAIVs. Our in vitro experiments demonstrate that ZMN significantly impairs viral replication across multiple HPAIV strains, including H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in

SUBMITTER: Schreiber A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11915740 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature