Protein targeting may lead to advancements in antiviral medications

A new method of targeting viruses, such as herpes, could lead to more effective treatments, according to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers have developed antiviral technology that can change the environment viruses need in order to spread and thrive. This advancement alters the site of the virus, preventing it from changing and becoming resistant to medications.

During a recent trial, investiagtors examined microRNAs, which are molecules found in viruses that regulate protein production. The team was able to alter the levels of these proteins, allowing them to control and stop the virus from growing.

The team concluded that these findings could advance current treatments, which would benefit people with a variety of infections, including herpes.

Amy Buck, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, stated that "a problem with current antiviral therapies, which generally target the virus, is that viruses can mutate to become resistant." She added that "our hope is that we will be able to use host-directed therapies to supplement the natural immune response and disable viruses by taking away what they need to survive."