INHIBITING VIRUS-CAPSID ASSEMBLY BY ALTERING THE POLYMERIZATION PATHWAY

Virus capsids assemble through the repeated interaction of well-define d protein subunits in a highly specific process. Basic research into t he mechanism of protein polymerisation and virus assembly suggest that inhibition of the protein-protein interactions necessary for assembly is a valid therapeutic strategy. Computer models of virus-capsid asse mbly have located vulnerable stages in assembly, and small-molecule in hibitors of virus assembly have been identified. The challenge will be identifying agents that block assembly with the required specificity.