Protein and Peptide Substances in the Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Infection: Current State

Molecules. 2022 Mar 31;27(7):2263. doi: 10.3390/molecules27072263.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSVI) is an acute medical and social problem in many countries globally. Infection is most dangerous for infants under one year old and the elderly. Despite its epidemiological relevance, only two drugs are registered for clinical use against RSVI: ribavirin (approved in a limited number of countries due to side effects) and palivizumab (Synagis), which is intended only for the prevention, but not the treatment, of infection. Currently, various research groups are searching for new drugs against RSV, with three main areas of research: small molecules, polymeric drugs (proteins and peptides), and plant extracts. This review is devoted to currently developed protein and peptide anti-RSV drugs.

Keywords: antivirals; childhood infections; respiratory diseases; respiratory syncytial virus; viral diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Palivizumab / therapeutic use
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Peptides
  • Palivizumab