Abstract Title
Development of a new class of broad-spectrum antivirals for human and veterinary medicine: a one health approach to treating influenza A virus infections
Abstract
Antivirals are typically direct-acting, narrow-spectrum and highly vulnerable to virus resistance. Host-centric antivirals that exploit the dependence of viruses on host cells are an attractive alternative, as they are likely to be less susceptible to the development of resistance and offer broad-spectrum antiviral potency. Inspired by natural compound thapsigargin, we have developed a compound library of semi-synthetic derivatives with broad-spectrum antiviral activity and promising drug-like characteristics. Within this library, we have identified novel compounds with activity against human and avian influenza viruses both in vitro and in ovo. The pan-influenza virus antiviral activity displayed by members of our compound library would greatly benefit human medicine, whether through treatment of seasonal influenza or for pandemic preparedness against zoonotic influenza viruses. The need for new and effective anti-influenza therapeutics for the latter was highlighted by the recent spillover of HPAI H5N1 virus into mammals. Alternatively, such antivirals could be used to treat infections in poultry directly. In the UK and other countries, current mitigation strategies to control avian influenza outbreaks in poultry centre on biosecurity measures and culling. Antivirals may be used therapeutically after disease detection or, following the emergence of a confirmed case in a nearby farm or in local wildlife, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be employed to prevent the spread of the virus to uninfected flocks. We seek to expand the potential applications of our antivirals to benefit both human and animal health, exemplified by the cross-species challenge presented by influenza virus.
Co-Author(s)
Dr Leah V. Goulding, The University of Nottingham
Abstract Category
Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and one health