Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Nucleoside Antivirals

The search for new drugs has been greatly accelerated by the emergence of new viruses and drug-resistant strains of known pathogens. Nucleoside analogues (NAs) are a prospective class of antivirals due to known safety profiles, which are important for rapid repurposing in the fight against emerging pathogens. Recent improvements in research methods have revealed new unexpected details in the mechanisms of action of NAs that can pave the way for new approaches for the further development of effective drugs. This review accounts advanced techniques in viral polymerase targeting, new viral and host enzyme targeting approaches, and prodrug-based strategies for the development of antiviral NAs.

Automated summary

The emergence of new viruses and drug-resistant strains has accelerated the search for new drugs, and nucleoside analogues (NAs) are a promising class of antivirals due to their known safety profiles for rapid repurposing against emerging pathogens. Recent improvements in research methods have revealed new details in the mechanisms of action of NAs, paving the way for the development of more effective drugs. This review discusses advanced techniques in viral polymerase targeting, new viral and host enzyme targeting approaches, and prodrug-based strategies for the development of antiviral NAs.