DGAP-News: Publication in PNAS unveils molecular pathway required for influenza virus replication with large potential as an antiviral drug target
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Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Viruses, Infectious diseases, Microbiology, RNA, RNA virus, Viral disease, Influenza, Human orthopneumovirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, Negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus, Defective interfering particle, ATR-002's mode of action with dual benefit, Atriva Therapeutics GmbH
[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.