Critical Nodes of Virus–Host Interaction Revealed Through an Integrated Network Analysis

Korbinian Bösl; Aleksandr Ianevski; Thoa T. Than; Petter I. Andersen; Suvi Kuivanen; Mona Teppor; Eva Zusinaite; Uga Dumpis; Astra Vitkauskiene; Rebecca J. Cox; Hannimari Kallio-Kokko; Anders Bergqvist; Tanel Tenson; Valentyn Oksenych; Magnar Bjørås; Marit W. Anthonsen; David Shum; Mari Kaarbø; Olli Vapalahti; Marc P. Windisch; Giulio Superti-Furga; Berend Snijder; Denis Kainov; Richard K. Kandasamy

Our study demonstrated that azacytidine, itraconazole, lopinavir, nitazoxanide, and oritavancin are novel experimental anti-HMPV agents, whereas cidofovir, dibucaine, azithromycin, gefitinib, minocycline, oritavancin, and pirlindole mesylate are novel anti-HCV drugs. These drugs have already been used as investigational agents or experimental drug in different virus infections. Although, the mechanisms of action of these compounds in inhibiting the viral infections are still unknown, this agent could inhibit steps of viral infections, which preceded reporter protein expression from viral RNA. In summary, our results indicate that existing broad-spectrum-antivirals could be re-purposed to other viral infections. Re-purposing these therapeutics could save resources and time needed for development of novel drugs to quickly address unmet medical needs, because safety profiles of these agents are available. Effective treatment with broad-spectrum-antivirals may shortly become available, pending the results of further pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. This, in turn, means that some broadspectrum-antivirals could be used for rapid management of new or emerging drug-resistant strains, as well as for first-line treatment or for prophylaxis of acute virus infections or for viral co-infections. The most effective and tolerable compounds could expand the available preprint author/funder. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.