Challenges with the discovery of RNA-based therapeutics for flaviviruses

IntroductionFlaviviruses are emerging or reemerging pathogens that have caused several outbreaks throughout the world and pose serious threats on human health and economic development. RNA-based therapeutics are developing rapidly, and hold promise in the fight against flaviviruses. However, to develop efficient and safe therapeutics for flaviviruses, many challenges remain unsolved.Areas coveredIn this review, the authors briefly introduced the biology of flaviviruses and the current advances in RNA-based therapeutics for them. Furthermore, the authors list the challenges and possible solutions in this area. Finally, the authors give their opinion on the development and future of RNA-based therapeutics for flaviviruses.Expert opinionWith the rapid development of structural biology, the crystal structures of flavivirus proteins may lay the foundation for future rational drug design. Studies regarding the interactions between the flavivirus and the host will also be invaluable to inhibitor design. Researchers should maintain the current momentum to bring about safe and effective anti-flavivirus drugs to licensure through joint efforts of academia, government, and industry.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the biology of flaviviruses and the current advances in RNA-based therapeutics for them. The authors also discuss the challenges and possible solutions in this area. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the current momentum in the development of safe and effective anti-flavivirus drugs through joint efforts of academia, government, and industry.