Recent advances in RNA-targeted antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2
10.11665/j.issn.1000-5048.2025090403
- VernacularTitle:靶向SARS-CoV-2 RNA抗病毒小分子药物研究进展
- Author:
Binbin ZHANG
1
;
Yiqiong LIANG
;
Tingting LIU
;
Xu DENG
Author Information
1. 中南大学湘雅药学院, 长沙410013
- Publication Type:Journal Article 期刊文章
- Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2;
antiviral agents;
frameshift stimulation element (FSE);
G-quadruplexes;
RNA-targeting chimeras
- From:
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University
2025;56(6):689-699
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The development of antiviral drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 remains a major strategy for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection. Current anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents mainly act on key viral protein targets involved in the viral life cycle, such as the main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). However, these drugs are insufficient to address the challenges posed by the rapid mutation rate and drug resistance of SARS-CoV-2. In recent years, viral RNA has demonstrated to be a highly promising therapeutic target. Small-molecule drugs that target viral RNA possess distinct advantages, featuring novel mechanisms of action and the potential for broad-spectrum antiviral activity as well as the ability to overcome drug resistance. Such agents provide a new avenue for combating coronavirus threats. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting conserved SARS-CoV-2 RNA structures, including the frameshift stimulation element (FSE), stem-loops (SL), G-quadruplexes (G-4), and RNA-targeting chimeras (RNATAC), aiming to provide some insight to guide future.
