Thiopurines as host-targeted antivirals

We discovered that thiopurine drugs have potent antiviral activities against respiratory viruses including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and “common cold” coronaviruses. Inhibition of human GTPase enzymes is central to the antiviral mechanism of action of these thiopurines, but the precise target enzymes remain unknown. The primary goal of the current proposal is to work with Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) to identify the molecular target(s) of these drugs, and to use this information to develop superior molecules with greater specificity, potency, and safety. This research will lay the groundwork for the development of a new class of broadly acting host-targeted antivirals that are not so easily undermined by rapid viral evolution.

Faculty Supervisor:

Craig McCormick;Sultan Darvesh;Ian Pottie

Student:

Partner:

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Retail trade

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: