Scientists from Scripps Research and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against influenza by designing drug-like molecules that can prevent the virus from infecting respiratory cells. These inhibitors target hemagglutinin, a protein found on the surface of type A influenza viruses, and halt the virus from entering the body’s cells.
The researchers believe that these inhibitors could offer a new approach to influenza prevention, as currently available medications only target the virus after an infection has occurred. Corresponding author Ian Wilson, DPhil, Hansen Professor of Structural Biology at Scripps Research, explains, “We’re trying to target the very first stage of influenza infection since it would be better to prevent infection in the first place. These molecules could also be used to inhibit the spread of the virus after one has been infected.”
The inhibitors will require further optimization and testing before they can be considered potential antivirals for humans. However, the researchers are optimistic about their potential to prevent and treat seasonal flu infections. Unlike vaccines, these inhibitors may not need annual updates.
The team had previously identified a small molecule, F0045(S), with limited capacity to bind and inhibit H1N1 type A influenza viruses. To find this lead compound, they employed a high-throughput hemagglutinin binding assay, which allowed them to quickly screen large libraries of small molecules. Corresponding author Dennis Wolan, Ph.D., senior principal scientist at Genentech and former associate professor at Scripps Research, shares, “We began by developing a high-throughput hemagglutinin binding assay that allowed us to rapidly screen large libraries of small molecules and found the lead compound F0045(S) with this process.”