Fig. 2: Classes of antiviral strategies.
From: Materials science approaches in the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies
Viruses depend on infecting cells to support viral genome replication and the production of new virus particles. Thus, infection is a key part of the virus life cycle. Replication inhibitors are antiviral drugs aimed at stopping viral genome replication to curtail production of new virus particles. They work within already-infected cells. By contrast, entry inhibitors interact with existing virus particles outside of cells and prevent infection. They help to reduce viral loads and have proven useful in improving prophylactic and therapeutic outcomes.
