Negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus

DGAP-News: Publication in PNAS unveils molecular pathway required for influenza virus replication with large potential as an antiviral drug target

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 30, 2020

[1] , [2] The research identifies and confirms the full molecular chain of events connecting the virus-activated Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway via its downstream target RSK to the final export of vRNPs during an influenza virus infection.

Key Points: 
  • [1] , [2] The research identifies and confirms the full molecular chain of events connecting the virus-activated Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway via its downstream target RSK to the final export of vRNPs during an influenza virus infection.
  • As the virus is unable to perform this function by itself, this represents an Achilles heel of virus replication.
  • [3]
    "By targeting the enzyme MEK, an essential component of the signalling cascade, ATR-002 inhibits this pathway and, thus, leads to a blockade of viral replication.
  • This pathway is central for replication of many RNA viruses, such as the influenza virus, hantavirus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and also SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.