Marine fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium: A promising reservoir of chemical diversity for developing anti-viral drug candidates

Abstract

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with deadly viral infections like influenza, HSV, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2, resulting in countless casualties worldwide. Unfortunately, effective treatments for these infectious diseases have remained elusive, primarily due to the resilience of viral pathogens against existing medical interventions. An increasingly fruitful source of potential antiviral compounds is found in the world of marine microbes, which have consistently yielded promising antiviral agents. In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of the structural diversity of antiviral compounds derived from marine fungi belonging to the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. These valuable compounds have been extensively documented over the past decade. The review delves into the chemical structures, bioactivities, and origins of these compounds, shedding light on their potential in the fight against viral infections.