Focus on flaviviruses: current and future drug targets.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infection by mosquito-borne flaviviruses (family Flaviviridae) is increasing in prevalence worldwide. The vast global, social and economic impact due to the morbidity and mortality associated with the diseases caused by these viruses necessitates therapeutic intervention. There is currently no effective clinical treatment for any flaviviral infection. Therefore, there is a great need for the identification of novel inhibitors to target the virus life cycle.

Discussion

In this article, we discuss structural and nonstructural viral proteins that are the focus of current target validation and drug discovery efforts. Both inhibition of essential enzymatic activities and disruption of necessary protein–protein interactions are considered. In addition, we address promis

SUBMITTER: Geiss BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2822355 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature