Washington Kleber Rodrigues Lima, Claudia Zeneida Gomes Parente Alves Lima, Víctor Kleber Gomes Parente Alves Lima, Willian Reis Rosário, Lidio Gonçalves Lima-Neto, Maria Tereza Dos Santos Correia, Glaucio Monteiro Ferreira, Luís Cláudio Nascimento da Silva
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti, became a major global health concern during the 2015-2016 outbreak, particularly in Brazil. Its association with congenital malformations and neurological disorders underscores the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions. This review explores molecular targets for ZIKV treatment within the Brazilian context.
Method: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for studies published between 2004 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies identifying druggable molecular targets related to viral replication, immune evasion, or host-virus interactions. Key search terms included "Zika virus," "molecular targets," "Brazil," "antiviral," and "drug discovery."
Results: The review identified several critical viral proteins, NS1, NS3, NS5, and the envelope protein, as potential drug targets. Host cellular factors essential for viral survival were also highlighted. Technologies such as high-throughput screening, molecular docking, and structural genomics contributed significantly to the identification and validation of these targets.
Discussion: Although promising targets have been identified, therapeutic development is hindered by the genetic variability of ZIKV and its antigenic similarity to other flaviviruses, notably the dengue virus. These challenges complicate the specificity and efficacy of drugs. Nevertheless, Brazil has made strides in research infrastructure and collaborations to tackle these obstacles.
Conclusion: This review synthesizes current knowledge on ZIKV molecular targets and ongoing drug discovery efforts. The findings support the strategic development of antivirals and emphasize the necessity for sustained investment in research to mitigate future ZIKV outbreaks in Brazil and globally.
期刊介绍:
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry is a forum for the review of areas of keen and topical interest to medicinal chemists and others in the allied disciplines. Each issue is solely devoted to a specific topic, containing six to nine reviews, which provide the reader a comprehensive survey of that area. A Guest Editor who is an expert in the topic under review, will assemble each issue. The scope of Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry will cover all areas of medicinal chemistry, including current developments in rational drug design, synthetic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, high-throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry, compound diversity measurements, drug absorption, drug distribution, metabolism, new and emerging drug targets, natural products, pharmacogenomics, and structure-activity relationships. Medicinal chemistry is a rapidly maturing discipline. The study of how structure and function are related is absolutely essential to understanding the molecular basis of life. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry aims to contribute to the growth of scientific knowledge and insight, and facilitate the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents to treat debilitating human disorders. The journal is essential for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important advances.