Recent update on anti-dengue drug discovery

Eur J Med Chem. 2019 Aug 15:176:431-455. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.010. Epub 2019 May 12.

Abstract

Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease of humans, with more than half of the global population living in at-risk areas. Despite the negative impact on public health, there are no antiviral therapies available, and the only licensed vaccine, Dengvaxia®, has been contraindicated in children below nine years of age. In an effort to combat dengue, several small molecules have entered into human clinical trials. Here, we review anti-DENV molecules and their drug targets that have been published within the past five years (2014-2018). Further, we discuss their probable mechanisms of action and describe a role for classes of clinically approved drugs and also an unclassified class of anti-DENV agents. This review aims to enhance our understanding of novel agents and their cognate targets in furthering innovations in the use of small molecules for dengue drug therapies.

Keywords: DENV; Dengue; HTS; HTVS; NS3; NS4; NS5; Natural product; Synthesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dengue Virus / drug effects*
  • Dengue Virus / genetics
  • Dengue Virus / growth & development
  • Drug Discovery
  • Humans
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins