Recent antiviral strategies against human coronavirus-related respiratory illnesses

Abstract

Purpose of review 

The main purpose of this review is to summarize the current research (2006–2007) concerning the development of novel anticoronaviral strategies and compounds.

Recent findings 

Recent research led to the identification of several novel agents inhibiting coronaviral replication. The most promising compounds include carbohydrate-binding agents, neutralizing antibodies and drugs targeting a coronaviral envelope protein.

Summary 

Although initial outbreaks of coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) were controlled by public health measures, the development of vaccines and antiviral agents for SARS-CoV is essential for improving control and treatment of future outbreaks. Four years after the SARS-CoV epidemic, several compounds with an anticoronaviral activity have been identified.