Could Targeting the Heat Shock Protein 90 Revolutionize Antiviral therapy?

Abstract

Traditional antiviral strategies that target viral components are frequently associated with the generation of drug-resistant viruses. Thus, the development of novel antiviral drugs is critical. Hsp90 is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral drug target; however, whether targeting Hsp90 will revolutionize antiviral therapy remains ambiguous. Here, we summarize how Hsp90 functions in relation to its interactors, and listed the specific Hsp90 isoforms that participated in the virus life cycle. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of targeting Hsp90, taking into account antiviral activity, toxicity and the likelihood of emergence of drug-resistant viruses. Overall, we highlight that targeting Hsp90 might represent a novel and effective antiviral strategy. However, further studies are required before Hsp90 inhibitors can be used in antiviral therapy.

Keywords: :

• antiviral strategies
• HSP90
• virus

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This research was supported by a research grant from the Natural Science Foundation of China H3106, H2183 and Key Projects of Biological Industry Science & Technology of Guangzhou China (grant no. 201300000060), and Science & Technology Plan Program of Guangdong Province China (grant no. 2012A080204003). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.