DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713500 ISSN:
Small Molecules Targeting Viral RNA
Gregory Mathez, Valeria Cagno- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Computer Science Applications
- Spectroscopy
- Molecular Biology
- General Medicine
- Catalysis
The majority of antivirals available target viral proteins; however, RNA is emerging as a new and promising antiviral target due to the presence of highly structured RNA in viral genomes fundamental for their replication cycle. Here, we discuss methods for the identification of RNA-targeting compounds, starting from the determination of RNA structures either from purified RNA or in living cells, followed by in silico screening on RNA and phenotypic assays to evaluate viral inhibition. Moreover, we review the small molecules known to target the programmed ribosomal frameshifting element of SARS-CoV-2, the internal ribosomal entry site of different viruses, and RNA elements of HIV.