Spectrum of candidate molecules against Chikungunya virus - an insight into the antiviral screening platforms

Antiviral drug research for Japanese encephalitis: an updated review

Japanese encephalitis (JE) caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of Asia's most common viral encephalitis. JEV is a flavivirus, common in rural and sub-urban regions of Asian countries. Although only 1% of JEV-infected individuals develop JE, there is a 20-30% chance of death among these individuals and possible neurological sequelae post-infection. No licensed anti-JE drugs are currently available, despite extensive efforts to develop them. Literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, etc. using keywords such as Japanese encephalitis virus, antiviral drugs, antiviral drug screening, antiviral drug targets, etc. From around 230 papers/abstracts and research reviews retrieved and reviewed for this study, approximately 180 most relevant and important ones have been cited. Different approaches in drug testing and various antiviral drug targets explored so far have been thoroughly searched from the literature and compiled, besides addressing the future perspectives of the antiviral drug development strategies. Although the development of effective anti-JE drugs is an urgent issue, only supportive care is currently available. Recent advancements in understanding the biology of infection and new drug targets have been promising improvements. Despite hindrances such as the unavailability of a proper drug delivery system or a treatment regimen irrespective of the stage of infection, several promising anti-JE candidate molecules are in different phases of clinical trials. Nonetheless, efficient therapy against JEV is expected to be achieved with drug combinations and a highly targeted drug delivery system soon.

Development of highly stable and de-immunized versions of recombinant alpha interferon: Promising candidates for the treatment of chronic and emerging viral diseases

Human interferon alpha (hIFN-α) administration constitutes the current FDA approved therapy for chronic Hepatitis B and C virus infections. Additionally, hIFN-α treatment efficacy was recently demonstrated in patients with COVID-19. Thus, hIFN-α constitutes a therapeutic alternative for those countries where vaccination is inaccessible and for people who did not respond effectively to vaccination. However, hIFN-α2b exhibits a short plasma half-life resulting in the occurrence of severe side effects. To optimize the cytokine's pharmacokinetic profile, we developed a hyperglycosylated IFN, referred to as GMOP-IFN.

Given the significant number of reports showing neutralizing antibodies (NAb) formation after hIFN-α administration, here we applied the DeFT (De-immunization of Functional Therapeutics) approach to develop functional, de-immunized versions of GMOP-IFN. Two GMOP-IFN variants exhibited significantly reduced ex vivo immunogenicity and null antiproliferative activity, while preserving antiviral function. The results obtained in this work indicate that the new de-immunized GMOP-IFN variants constitute promising candidates for antiviral therapy.

Antiviral therapeutics for chikungunya virus

Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a reemerging human arthropod borne virus, can causes global epidemic outbreaks and has become a serious health concern due to the unavailability of any antiviral therapy/vaccine. Extensive research has been conducted to target different proteins from CHIKV to curtail the spread of virus.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the granted patents including the current status of antiviral strategies targeting CHIKV.Expert opinion: Under the current scenario, potential molecules and different approaches have been utilized to suppress CHIKV infection. MV-CHIKV and VRC-CHKVLP059-00-VP vaccine candidates have successfully completed phase I clinical trials and ribavirin (inhibitor) has shown significant inhibition of CHIKV replication and could be the most promising candidates. The drug resistance and toxicity can be modulated by using the inhibitors/drugs in combination. Moreover, nanoparticle formulations can improve the efficacy and bioavailability of drugs.

Arthritogenic Alphaviruses: A Worldwide Emerging Threat?

Arthritogenic alphaviruses are responsible for a dengue-like syndrome associated with severe debilitating polyarthralgia that can persist for months or years and impact life quality. Chikungunya virus is the most well-known member of this family since it was responsible for two worldwide epidemics with millions of cases in the last 15 years. However, other arthritogenic alphaviruses that are as of yet restrained to specific territories are the cause of neglected tropical diseases: O'nyong'nyong virus in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mayaro virus in Latin America, and Ross River virus in Australia and the Pacific island countries and territories. This review evaluates their emerging potential in light of the current knowledge for each of them and in comparison to chikungunya virus.