A review paper on developing novel antiviral strategies against pathogenic RNA viruses

Abstract

Human disease causing RNA viruses are a major concern for people worldwide as many of the diseases caused by pathogenic RNA viruses pose great threat to health and exhibit significant mortality. Some of the dangerous RNA viruses that infect human include Orthomyxoviruses, polio virus, HIV, HCV, Ebola virus and coronavirus. Many of the diseases caused by these viruses can be treated by means of vaccination or antiviral drugs. However, the need for annual booster doses for vaccines as well as side effects and limitations of the approved antivirals necessitate the development of more effective strategies. In addition to the aforementioned limitations, the emergence of drug resistance has accelerated the urgent need for novel antiviral strategies. This review gives a brief outline of the possible strategies that may be implemented in order to develop novel antivirals.