J Bacteriol Virol.  2012 Dec;42(4):284-293. 10.4167/jbv.2012.42.4.284.

Antiviral Agents Against Influenza Viruses

• Park S
• Kim JI
• Park MS

• KMID: 2168663
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2012.42.4.284

Abstract

In annual epidemics and occasional pandemics, influenza viruses cause acute respiratory illnesses in infected humans. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are two main arsenals available for a fight against influenza viruses. However, vaccines often exhibit a limited efficacy in high risk populations, and antiviral drugs are always concerned for mutations, which confer viral resistance. Here we review current advances and knowledge in relation to the usage of antiviral drugs as a prophylactic or therapeutic and the mechanism of resistant variants mainly against the neuraminidase inhibitors. Comprehensive understanding of the resistant mechanism will pave a road for developing new antivirals and/or finding medical or natural alternatives inducing less frequent resistance, and application of combination therapy using two or three different kinds of antivirals can suggest a useful medical intervention against both of seasonal and highly pathogenic influenza viruses including resistant variants. In this review, we provide insights of antiviral drugs for the control and prevention of influenza viruses.

Keyword

Antiviral drugs; Combination therapy; Influenza; Neuraminidase; Resistance

MeSH Terms

Antiviral Agents
Humans
Influenza, Human
Neuraminidase
Orthomyxoviridae
Pandemics
Seasons
Vaccines
Antiviral Agents
Neuraminidase
Vaccines

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Antiviral agents against influenza virus. Sialidase fusion protein blocks the binding of influenza virus to its cellular receptors in the cell surface. M2 ion channel inhibitors (M2I) block the ion channel produced by M2 protein. Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) block the process of release of influenza viruses from infected cells. Polymerase inhibitor (PI) inhibits influenza virus polymerase activity.

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