A team of researchers has identified novel molecular connections that could pave the way for broad-spectrum antiviral medicines. Unlike traditional antivirals that target specific viruses, thes new molecules work by amplifying the hostS own cellular defense mechanisms.

The groundbreaking technology focuses on the integrated stress response pathway, a natural defense system within cells. When a virus infects a cell, this pathway is typically activated to halt protein production, thereby impeding viral replication.

The newly identified connections act as potent amplifiers for this cellular defense. “If the pathway were called in response to a virus infection, our connections would put it at full speed,” explained Felix Wong, the study’s lead author.

To identify these crucial molecules, the researchers developed an innovative screening technique. This process allowed them to test nearly 400,000 diffrent chemical connections, ultimately yielding several promising candidates.

In laboratory tests on human cells, these connections demonstrated a remarkable ability to help cells fend off infections from viruses such as RSV, Herpes virus, and Zika virus. One particular compound, IBX-200, also showed efficacy in mice.

In animal trials, IBX-200 significantly reduced viral load and effectively suppressed the symptoms associated with herpes infections.This suggests a promising therapeutic avenue for human submission.

An intriguing aspect of this approach is its specificity. the compounds appear to have no adverse effects on uninfected cells, activating only when a virus triggers the stress response within a cell.

We are very keen about this work, which enables us to use the stress response of the host cells to find a way to identify and develop wide-spectrum antiviral means.

The research team plans to expand testing to include a wider range of viruses. The ultimate goal is to develop these compounds into viable clinical treatments.