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Mechanisms of action of ribavirin against distinct viruses
Author(s) -
Graci Jason D.,
Cameron Craig E.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
reviews in medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.06
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1654
pISSN - 1052-9276
DOI - 10.1002/rmv.483
Subject(s) - ribavirin , imp dehydrogenase , virology , biology , nucleoside analogue , nucleoside , mechanism of action , polymerase , mutagenesis , rna polymerase , inosine , rna , virus , in vitro , enzyme , gene , medicine , genetics , mutation , biochemistry , hepatitis c virus , surgery , transplantation , mycophenolic acid
The nucleoside analogue ribavirin has antiviral activity against many distinct viruses both in vitro and in vivo . Five distinct mechanisms have been proposed to explain the antiviral properties of ribavirin. These include both indirect mechanisms (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibition, immunomodulatory effects) and direct mechanisms (interference with RNA capping, polymerase inhibition, lethal mutagenesis). Recent concerns about bioterrorism have renewed interest in exploring the antiviral activity of ribavirin against unique viruses. In this paper, we review the proposed mechanisms of action with emphasis on recent discoveries, as well as the implications of ribavirin resistance. Evidence exists to support each of the five proposed mechanisms of action, and distinct virus/host combinations may preferentially favour one or more of these mechanisms during antiviral therapy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.