Advancements in Host-Directed Antiviral Therapies
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 1428
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Host-directed antiviral therapies refer to therapeutic strategies that target host cellular factors involved in the viral lifecycle, rather than directly targeting viral components. This approach seeks to modulate the host's cellular machinery to inhibit viral replication and spread. Traditional antiviral treatments often target viral components directly but aim to modulate host cell machinery to inhibit viral replication, thus offering an alternative strategy to combat viral infections. This strategy is especially promising for infections where direct antiviral therapies are limited or resistance has emerged.
This Special Issue will focus on a wide range of novel molecular mechanisms underlying host–virus interactions, with a particular focus on the cellular processes exploited by viruses to facilitate their replication and survival. Key areas of interest include the identification and targeting of host cell antiviral targets, including proteins involved in RNA modification, endocytic trafficking, and innate immune responses. By modulating these host factors, researchers aim to develop therapies that are less likely to induce resistance compared to traditional antivirals. We encourage contributions that describe novel molecular insights into the host–virus interaction, as well as advancements in drug development targeting host factors. Articles should provide a clear connection between molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of host-targeted therapeutic strategies and their potential to complement or replace traditional antiviral approaches in clinical settings.
We welcome submissions, including original papers and reviews, on these widely discussed topics. Dr. Sabina Andreu is a scientist engaged in antiviral research who will assist Professor Raquel Bello-Morales in managing this Special Issue.
Dr. Raquel Bello-Morales
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Keywords
- antiviral drugs
- drug discovery
- host cell targets
- HIV
- HCV
- influenza
- SARS-CoV-2
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