Table 1 Potential advantages and disadvantages of HDAs (host targeted antivirals)
From: A painful lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic: the need for broad-spectrum, host-directed antivirals
Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
Broad-spectrum activity against different virus types that use the same host target | Potential of host pathway-related toxicity |
Pan-genotype/serotype coverage | Host/population-specific polymorphisms on differential host target expression |
High barrier to the development of genetic resistance | Poor translation of in vitro to in vivo (animal models) |
Numerous putative drug targets for cross-class combination therapy | Complex mechanism of action—Deconvolution of target and target-specific effects challenging |
Can be available before epidemics and pandemics for emerging/new viruses | Possibility of redundant host mechanisms that ease virus dependence on select target |
Potential for preemptive development of agents before a realized viral threat | May require direct-acting antivirals as a combination therapy for maximum benefit |