[The antiviral targeting potential of viroporins]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2022 Jun 13;184(24):V02220103.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Viroporins are ion channels found in many viruses, where they contribute to virus life cycle and thereby pathogenesis. Viroporin targeting is a known, yet largely unexplored, therapeutic strategy so far only used in Influenza A with the drugs amantadine and rimantadine. In this review, we seek to utilize the inhibition by amantadine of the viroporin Protein E in SARS-CoV-2 in an attempt to treat COVID-19 in its early stages. We are executing a double-blinded placebo-controlled trial based on promising in vivo and in vitro work as a stepping-stone for establishing a therapeutic antiviral regime: blocking of viroporins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amantadine
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viroporin Proteins

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Viroporin Proteins
  • Amantadine