Developing new antiviral therapies
Herpesviruses, adenoviruses and some polyomaviruses pose a great danger to patients with compromised immune systems. Here, the scientists look for new target structures which enable new and more effective therapies to be developed.
Herpesviruses, adenoviruses and some polyomaviruses pose a major threat for immunocompromised patients. The viruses take advantage of weakened patients in which they can replicate without inhibition. New target structures have been discovered recently which enable the development of new therapies against these viruses. High-throughput screening methods, structure-based approaches and in silico screening procedures all enable a broad-based search for novel substances and new pathways.
Fighting viruses effectively
DZIF scientists are currently focusing on the following viruses: Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, BK polyomavirus and adenoviruses. They are researching to identify new target sites in these viruses that could enable them to develop new antiviral therapies with improved efficacy. More emphasis is being put towards the search for new antiviral substances and potential agent candidates within banks containing small molecules.
