Envelope Protein-Targeting Zika Virus Entry Inhibitors

作者：Abhijeet Roy, Qian Liu, Yang Yang, Asim K. Debnath, Lanying Du · 发表于：International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3390/ijms25179424 · 被引用次数：10 · 研究领域：Mosquito-borne diseases and control、Malaria Research and Control、Viral Infections and Vectors

), which causes congenital Zika syndrome, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and other severe diseases, is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes; however, the virus can be transmitted through other routes. Among the three structural and seven nonstructural proteins, the surface envelope (E) protein of ZIKV plays a critical role in viral entry and pathogenesis, making it a key target for the development of effective entry inhibitors. This review article describes the life cycle, genome, and encoded proteins of ZIKV, illustrates the structure and function of the ZIKV E protein, summarizes E protein-targeting entry inhibitors (with a focus on those based on natural products and small molecules), and highlights challenges that may potentially hinder the development of effective inhibitors of ZIKV infection. Overall, the article will provide useful guidance for further development of safe and potent ZIKV entry inhibitors targeting the viral E protein.