Hong Kong Med J 2008;14(Suppl 4):S36-8
Helicases as antiviral drug targets
JD Huang, BJ Zheng, HZ Sun
1. We have demonstrated for the first time that the helicase of a ribonucleic acid virus, the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), is a valid target for drug development.
2. Using high throughput screen and chemical synthesis, several lead compounds targeting the SARS-CoV helicase have been identified. We have shown that these compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV helicase activity and viral growth in cell culture systems. These compounds can potentially be used to target other viruses.
2. Using high throughput screen and chemical synthesis, several lead compounds targeting the SARS-CoV helicase have been identified. We have shown that these compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV helicase activity and viral growth in cell culture systems. These compounds can potentially be used to target other viruses.