New strategies against drug resistance to herpes simplex virus

Abstract

So-called “Janus” drugs with two molecular “faces” may help address the pressing need for new treatments for herpes simplex virus (HSV). The emergence of resistance to common antiviral drugs such as acyclovir is an increasing problem, especially for patients with weakened immune systems. A team led by Yu-Chen Jiang at Sichuan University, and Hui Feng, Central South University, Changsha, review key strategies for new ways to halt the multiplication of HSV. One of the most promising involves drugs that, like acyclovir, mimic the molecular components of DNA and therefore interfere with the manufacture of viral DNA. Two key DNA components are purines and pyrimidines. The Janus drug molecules have one side that mimics purines while the other side mimics pyrimidines, allowing a double-hit against virus multiplication.

Keywords

new strategies / drug resistance / herpes simplex virus / Janus-type nucleoside analogues / lethal mutagenesis

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