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Viruses
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Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs
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Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Immunology, Vaccines, and Antivirals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 6923

Special Issue Editor

Dr. David E. Martin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Inc, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Interests: antiviral; influenza virus; repurposed; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); respiratory virus; RSV; SARS-CoV-2; therapeutic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Viral infections cause significant morbidity and mortality across the globe in both humans and animals. As the world emerges from the latest viral pandemic, it is clear that considerable work remains to identify and characterize new antiviral treatments. We therefore invite submissions for our upcoming Special Issue on the pharmacology of antiviral drugs. This issue aims to explore and elucidate the intricate pharmacological aspects of antiviral medications. Researchers and experts are encouraged to contribute original research articles, reviews, and short communications that delve into various aspects of antiviral pharmacology. We welcome submissions that cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, molecular interactions between drugs and viral targets, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the influence of host factors on drug efficacy. Additionally, we seek contributions addressing emerging topics such as drug resistance, novel drug delivery approaches, and advancements in medicinal chemistry to optimize antiviral treatment strategies in humans and animals.

Join us in advancing our understanding of antiviral pharmacology and shaping the future of antiviral therapy. Submit your contributions to this Special Issue to contribute to the global effort in combating viral infections and improving public health outcomes.

Dr. David E. Martin
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.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pharmacology
  • clinical pharmacology
  • antiviral therapy
  • antiviral prophylaxis
  • human viruses
  • animal viruses
  • pharmacokinetics
  • pharmacodynamics
  • drug resistance.

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 145 KiB  
Editorial
Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs
by David E. Martin
Viruses 2025, 17(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17040459 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 420
Abstract
Antiviral drug therapy has significantly evolved over the past four decades, partly driven by improved understanding of viral replication mechanisms but also advances in pharmacology and formulation technologies [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

16 pages, 4119 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Activity of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose on Rhinovirus and Influenza A Virus Infection of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
by Hsiao-Hui Ong, YongChiat Wong, Jayant Khanolkar, Belinda Paine, Daniel Wood, Jing Liu, Mark Thong, Vincent T. Chow and De-Yun Wang
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030376 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1006
Abstract
The nasal epithelium is the primary site for entry of respiratory viruses. In comparison to oral administration, nasal drug applications directed locally to the site of infection can serve as early interventional barriers against respiratory virus pathogenesis by limiting viral spread in the [...] Read more.
The nasal epithelium is the primary site for entry of respiratory viruses. In comparison to oral administration, nasal drug applications directed locally to the site of infection can serve as early interventional barriers against respiratory virus pathogenesis by limiting viral spread in the upper airway. Experiments on the diffusion of methylene blue and nanoparticles in both water and low pH conditions revealed that hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) can act as an effective physical barrier. This study also evaluated the activity of HPMC as a barrier against common respiratory viruses, i.e., rhinovirus (RV) and influenza A virus (IAV) using the in vitro human nasal epithelial cell (hNEC) model. Utilizing the hNEC infection model, we assessed the protective effects of HPMC in pH 3.5 and pH 7 buffers against RV and IAV. Acidic and pH-neutral buffers and HPMC dissolved in acidic and pH-neutral buffers were administered for 4 h prior to virus infection and at 4 h post-infection (hpi). The apical supernatant was harvested at 24 hpi to determine the viral loads of RV and IAV (H1N1 and H3N2). HPMC was demonstrated to exert protective effects in the infected hNECs independent of acidic pH. Pre-treatment with HPMC in acidic buffer significantly diminished viral loads for both RV and IAV infections of hNECs. Similarly, direct treatment of HPMC in acidic buffer after infection (4 hpi) also effectively decreased viral loads of both RV and IAV. Moreover, treatment using HPMC in acidic buffer before or after infection did not affect the epithelial integrity and ciliary function of hNECs. This study demonstrates the protective effects of HPMC in acidic buffer against RV and IAV infections of the human nasal epithelium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)
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14 pages, 3124 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Activity of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus In Vitro and In Vivo
by Xintong Yan, Chongda Luo, Jingjing Yang, Zhuang Wang, Yunfeng Shao, Ping Wang, Shaokang Yang, Yuexiang Li, Qingsong Dai, Wei Li, Xiaotong Yang, Huimin Tao, Sichen Ren, Zhenyang Li, Xiaojia Guo, Siqi Li, Weiyan Zhu, Yan Luo, Jiazheng Li, Song Li, Ruiyuan Cao and Wu Zhongadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081332 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), also known as the Dabie Banda virus, is an emerging tick-borne Bunyavirus that causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Currently, symptomatic treatment and antiviral therapy with ribavirin and favipiravir are used in clinical management. However, [...] Read more.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), also known as the Dabie Banda virus, is an emerging tick-borne Bunyavirus that causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Currently, symptomatic treatment and antiviral therapy with ribavirin and favipiravir are used in clinical management. However, their therapeutical efficacy is hardly satisfactory in patients with high viral load. In this study, we explored the antiviral effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on SFTSV infection and the antiviral mechanisms of a representative SERM, bazedoxifene acetate (BZA). Our data show that SERMs potently inhibited SFTSV-induced cytopathic effect (CPE), the proliferation of infectious viral particles, and viral RNA replication and that BZA effectively protected mice from lethal viral challenge. The mode of action analysis reveals that BZA exerts antiviral effects during the post-entry stage of SFTSV infection. The transcriptome analysis reveals that GRASLND and CYP1A1 were upregulated, while TMEM45B and TXNIP were downregulated. Our findings suggest that SERMs have the potential to be used in the treatment of SFTSV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)
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12 pages, 586 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Use in Mild-to-Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infections during the Omicron Wave in Geriatric Patients
by Nadia Exquis, Benjamin Dionisi, Caroline Flora Samer, Victoria Rollason, François Curtin, Dina Zekry, Christophe Graf, Virgnie Prendki and Kuntheavy Ing Lorenzini
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060864 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1302
Abstract
(1) Background: Geriatric patients are at high risk of complications of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are good candidates for antiviral drugs. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of electronic health records (EHRs) aiming to describe antiviral (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (nirmatrelvir/r) or remdesivir) use, drug–drug [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Geriatric patients are at high risk of complications of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are good candidates for antiviral drugs. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of electronic health records (EHRs) aiming to describe antiviral (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (nirmatrelvir/r) or remdesivir) use, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in elderly patients (75 and over), hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 between July 2022 and June 2023. (3) Results: Out of 491 patients (mean age: 86.9 years), 180 (36.7%) received nirmatrelvir/r, 78 (15.9%) received remdesivir, and 233 (47.4%) received no antiviral therapy. No association was found between the choice of antiviral and the demographic or medical data. No serious ADR was observed. Nirmatrelvir/r dosage adjustment was inadequate in 65% of patients with renal impairment. In total, 128 patients (71%) on nirmatrelvir/r had potential pharmacokinetic DDIs, with 43 resulting in a possibly related ADR. In the remdesivir group, pharmacodynamic DDIs were more frequent, with QTc prolongation risk in 56 patients (72%). Only 20 patients underwent follow-up ECG, revealing QTc prolongation in 4. (4) Conclusions: There is an underutilization of antivirals despite their justified indications. Nirmatrelvir/r dosage was rarely adjusted to renal function. Dose adjustments and closer monitoring are needed due to the high risk of drug interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)
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Review

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18 pages, 3309 KiB  
Review
Inhaled Dry Powder of Antiviral Agents: A Promising Approach to Treating Respiratory Viral Pathogens
by Tushar Saha, Zia Uddin Masum, Anik Biswas, Moushumi Afroza Mou, Sohag Ahmed and Tamal Saha
Viruses 2025, 17(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020252 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Inhaled dry powder formulations of antiviral agents represent a novel and potentially transformative approach to managing respiratory viral infections. Traditional antiviral therapies in the form of tablets or capsules often face limitations in terms of therapeutic activity, systemic side effects, and delayed onset [...] Read more.
Inhaled dry powder formulations of antiviral agents represent a novel and potentially transformative approach to managing respiratory viral infections. Traditional antiviral therapies in the form of tablets or capsules often face limitations in terms of therapeutic activity, systemic side effects, and delayed onset of action. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) provide a targeted delivery system, ensuring the direct administration of antivirals to the infection site, the respiratory tract, which potentially enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize systemic exposure. This review explores the current state of inhaled dry powder antiviral agents, their advantages over traditional routes, and specific formulations under development. We discuss the benefits of targeted delivery, such as improved drug deposition in the lungs and reduced side effects, alongside considerations related to the formulation preparation. In addition, we summarize the developed (published and marketed) inhaled dry powders of antiviral agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)
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Other

10 pages, 2333 KiB  
Brief Report
Evaluating Probenecid or Oseltamivir Inhibition of Influenza A Virus Replication Through Plaque Assay or Fluorescent Focus Assay Using Non-Structural Protein 1–H1N1 Venus Reporter Virus
by Jackelyn Murray, Aitor Nogales, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, David E. Martin, Fred D. Sancilio and Ralph A. Tripp
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030335 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 560
Abstract
It is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of influenza antiviral therapeutics to evaluate their efficacy. Virus plaque assays are commonly used to assess the antiviral effects of drugs on virus replication; however, this method is labor-intensive and can present challenges. We avoided [...] Read more.
It is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of influenza antiviral therapeutics to evaluate their efficacy. Virus plaque assays are commonly used to assess the antiviral effects of drugs on virus replication; however, this method is labor-intensive and can present challenges. We avoided this method by using a replication-competent influenza A virus (IAV) expressing a reporter fluorescent gene fused to the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) gene. The reporter IAV was detectable in normal human bronchoepithelial (NHBE) infected cells and offered an improved method to determine the therapeutic efficacy of the antiviral drugs probenecid and oseltamivir compared to a standard plaque assay. This method provides an excellent means for evaluating therapeutic approaches against IAV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacology of Antiviral Drugs)
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