Abstract
Hemagglutinin (HA) plays a critical role during influenza virus receptor binding and subsequent membrane fusion process, thus HA has become a promising drug target. For the past several decades, we and other researchers have discovered a series of HA inhibitors mainly targeting its fusion machinery. In this review, we summarize the advances in HA-targeted development of small molecule inhibitors. Moreover, we discuss the structural basis and mode of action of these inhibitors, and speculate upon future directions toward more potent inhibitors of membrane fusion and potential anti-influenza drugs.
Highlights
Influenza viruses are enveloped viruses that belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae, and can be classified into four types: A, B, C and the recently identified type D [1], among which influenza A virus (IAV) as well as IBV and ICV infect humans
During the past two decades, our group has engaged in the discovery of novel entry inhibitors of influenza viruses, including the high-pathogenic IAVs H5N1 and H7N3, mainly by using an optimized comparative HTS approach on the basis of pseudotyped viruses [59]
As the most potent HA-targeted drug candidates are directed to the fusion machinery and are group specific, it is of great interest to develop group 1 and group 2 specific anti-influenza drugs separately and to use the appropriate inhibitor for each influenza outbreak
Summary
Influenza viruses are enveloped viruses that belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae, and can be classified into four types: A, B, C and the recently identified type D [1], among which influenza A virus (IAV) as well as IBV and ICV infect humans. The protection conferred by seasonal influenza vaccines poorly covers emerging pandemic influenza virus strains [5]. Antiviral drugs are another major countermeasure to combat influenza virus infection. There are three classes of antiviral drugs available against influenza virus infection, including the viral ion channel M2 blockers (amantadine and rimantadine), neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir) and the polymerase inhibitors (favipiravir and baloxavir). We summarize the current development of small molecule HA inhibitors that block influenza virus entry
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
