Scientists at Scripps Research have developed an innovative drug-like molecule that promises to prevent type A influenza infections right from the start! Unlike current flu medications that tackle the virus after it infects the body, this new approach blocks the virus at its initial stage, offering a proactive solution to flu prevention.
The researchers, in collaboration with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, have created inhibitors that target hemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of the influenza virus. By blocking this protein, the virus is prevented from entering the respiratory cells, effectively stopping the infection before it begins. This groundbreaking discovery was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on May 16, 2024.
Lead researcher Ian Wilson highlighted the potential of these molecules not only to prevent infections but also to inhibit the spread of the virus after an individual is infected. This dual functionality makes the discovery even more promising.
While the inhibitors will need further optimization and testing before being used as antivirals in humans, they show great promise for both preventing and treating seasonal flu infections. Unlike vaccines, these inhibitors might not need yearly updates, offering a more stable solution.
The journey to this breakthrough began with the identification of a small molecule, F0045(S), which was then optimized using advanced chemistry techniques to develop even more effective compounds. The result was two potent molecules, 4(R) and 6(R), with improved binding ability to the virus. Further refinements led to the creation of compound 7, the most potent small-molecule hemagglutinin inhibitor developed to date.
Future research will focus on optimizing compound 7 and testing it in animal models. Additionally, researchers aim to develop similar inhibitors for other strains of influenza, such as H3N2 and H5N1.
This exciting advancement in flu prevention and treatment represents a significant step forward in the fight against influenza, potentially transforming how we manage this common yet dangerous virus.
For more details, check out the full study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (euronews)