Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that has re-emerged in recent decades, causing large-scale epidemics in many parts of the world. CHIKV infection leads to a febrile disease known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is characterised by severe joint pain and myalgia. As many patients develop a painful chronic stage and neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are available, the development of a potent CHIKV inhibiting drug is crucial for CHIKF treatment. A comprehensive summary of current antiviral research and development of small-molecule inhibitor against CHIKV is presented in this review. We highlight different approaches used for the identification of such compounds and further discuss the identification and application of promising viral and host targets.
Highlights
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus and belongs to the Togaviridae family
The lack of approved antiviral compounds and vaccines against this alphavirus further lightens the crucial development of inhibitors against the Chikungunya virus
This issue could be overcome by repurposing already approved drugs for the anti-CHIKV treatment. As they already have been intensively investigated for their safety in humans, the clinical evaluation of such drugs could be a fast and safe option for emergency treatment in CHIKV infection outbreaks
Summary
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus and belongs to the Togaviridae family. A new CHIKV mutation with the A226V amino acid variant in the envelope glycoprotein E1 (CHIKV 06.21) was reported during that outbreak This mutation, along with specific mutations in the E2 protein, allowed the virus to expand its vector potential from primarily Aedes aegypti to the more global Aedes albopictus and permitting the virus to spread in different temperature zones [3]. Infection with the Chikungunya virus causes a high onset of fever for 3 to 10 days, followed by rash, myalgia, nausea, and severe joint pain [12]. This Chikungunya Fever (CHIKF) is rarely fatal, in approximately 50% of infected patients, the severe arthralgia and myalgia can last for months to years even after clearance of the viral infection [13]. Up today there are no licensed drugs or vaccines available, and the alleviation of symptoms by, e.g., NSAIDs, is the only possible treatment for CHIKF patients [15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
