Coronavirus Therapy: Antiviral Drugs and Anti-Inflammatory Immunopharmacology

Dear Colleagues,

Even as the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, coronaviruses remain a global health challenge with evolving variants and sporadic outbreaks. Direct-acting antivirals have delivered substantial benefits, and controlling the excessive inflammation of severe illness is equally vital. These antiviral and immunomodulatory strategies have saved many lives, yet important questions persist regarding breadth of activity, resistance, access, and durability. The emergence of new variants and limitations of current options underscore the need for next-generation antivirals and immunopharmacological tools that are effective against current and future coronaviruses.

To advance this field, Viruses invites multidisciplinary contributions. We welcome papers on novel antiviral agents and targets, including discovery, and development of small molecules, peptides, and biologics against coronaviruses. We encourage studies of viral and host targets and broad-spectrum strategies. We are interested in innovative platforms that include mRNA- or siRNA-based antivirals, gene therapies, and nanoparticle delivery systems that enhance targeted delivery and the efficacy of antiviral or immunomodulatory treatments. We also welcome AI-driven discovery and repurposing that identify new therapeutics, optimize design, and repurpose existing drugs.

This Special Issue highlights new technologies and multidisciplinary perspectives that will shape the future of coronavirus therapy. We encourage experimental and clinical studies and SotA literature reviews that synthesize recent advances. By assembling diverse insights on antiviral drugs and anti-inflammatory immunopharmacology, we aim to foster dialogue that accelerates development of effective treatments for current and emerging threats. We warmly invite researchers from all relevant fields to contribute their work to this Special Issue of Viruses.

Dr. Chengyuan Liang
Dr. Lei Tian
Dr. Mengzhou Wang
Guest Editors

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