The mechanism of action of antiviral drugs

Category: Industry Update

Time: 2025-05-19

Summary: Nucleic acid synthesis inhibition: For example, acyclovir interferes with herpes virus DNA synthesis by mimicking nucleotides.

Preventing viruses from entering host cells
Some drugs prevent the virus from infecting new cells by blocking the binding of the virus to host cell surface receptors (such as HIV fusion inhibitors) or inhibiting the fusion of the virus envelope with the cell membrane (such as the influenza drug Abidol).
Inhibit the process of virus replication
Nucleic acid synthesis inhibition: For example, acyclovir interferes with herpes virus DNA synthesis by mimicking nucleotides.
Protease inhibition: HIV protease inhibitors can prevent viral protein cleavage and maturation, inhibiting viral assembly.
Enhance host immune response
Interferon drugs indirectly inhibit virus proliferation by activating the host immune system (such as enhancing natural killer cell activity).

Keywords: The mechanism of action of antiviral drugs

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