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NUS Medicine researchers identify promising broad-spectrum antiviral candidate against enteroviruses

Researchers have identified GW406108X, a broad-spectrum antiviral compound, that can inhibit a range of enteroviruses, including EV-D68, by targeting a process in human cells. The compound showed activity against multiple viruses, including Rhinovirus A16, and reduced EV-D68 levels by 1,000-fold in laboratory experiments.

Antiviral molecules in bacteria

Researchers found that daunorubicin effectively inhibits bacteriophage infection in bacteria, triggering mutual destruction and killing the bacterial cell. The discovery opens up new avenues for phage therapy development, especially against antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2026

Study confirms effectiveness of medicinal plant against SARS-CoV-2 virus

A study published in Scientific Reports confirms the anti-viral properties of galloylquinic acids extracted from Copaifera lucens leaves, inhibiting viral entry and replication. The substance's multi-target mechanism reduces the likelihood of resistance developing, making it a promising therapeutic candidate against COVID-19.

Korea University College of Medicine’s Vaccine Innovation Center selected as lead institution for 2025 Korea-ARPA-H Health Security Project

The Vaccine Innovation Center at Korea University College of Medicine has been selected as the lead institution for a health security research initiative focused on developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents and combination therapies to prevent severe disease in future pandemics. The project aims to create advanced therapeutics capable...

Modulation of antiviral response in fungi via RNA editing

A study by University of Fukui researchers reveals that two adjacent gene pairs in Neurospora crassa regulate antiviral response and symptom induction via RNA editing. The findings indicate that the modification of master transcription factor genes is crucial for controlling fungal antiviral responses.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2025

A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without the need for light activation. The nanosheets' ability to denature microbial proteins through strong physicochemical interactions confirms their effectiveness in combating various microbi...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of bat immunity

Researchers developed organoids from Egyptian fruit bats' respiratory and intestinal tissue, showcasing a significantly higher baseline antiviral immune activity. These organoids demonstrated an exceptionally strong production of type III interferons, which played a crucial role in mucosal antiviral immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Influenza virus hacks cell's internal system

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that the influenza A virus exploits a protein called AGO2 to regulate gene activity and weaken the immune system. An existing drug, arsenic trioxide, showed promise in increasing interferon production and reducing viral loads.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Computational drug discovery: Exploring natural products targeting SARS-CoV-2

A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2025

The molecular basis of how Pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor

Researchers discovered Pradimicin A's molecular basis for binding to viral N-glycan, showing promise as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. The compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by interacting with branched oligomannose-containing glycans.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

HKUMed, University of Michigan and Johannes Kepler University Linz jointly discover the pan-coronavirus antiviral activity and mechanism of the molecularly engineered banana lectin H84T-BanLec

A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Mouthwashes may suppress SARS-CoV-2

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis publishes method for the fast detection of a key antiviral

Researchers developed a novel nanobody-based detection method for recombinant human interferon α2b (rhIFNα2b), which has a lower detection limit than existing methods. The assay's operation time was shortened from two days to a few minutes, making it suitable for rapid market counterfeit detection and early diagnosis of hepatitis.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Scientists develop indoor-active photocatalyst for antiviral coating against various variant types of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a solid-state photocatalyst using TiO2 and CuO nanoclusters to inactivate various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The material is effective under both darkness and indoor light, making it suitable for reducing COVID-19 infection risk in indoor environments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Fighting COVID-19 with milk?

A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Existing drugs kill SARS-CoV2 in cells

Researchers have identified several drug contenders that can block or reduce SARS-CoV2 infection in cells, including lactoferrin and MEK-inhibitors. These findings suggest potential efficacy against COVID-19 variants, with ongoing clinical trials to examine their ability to reduce viral loads and inflammation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Immune gene activity and late-life health disparities

Research suggests that inflammation-related genes are associated with biobehavioral factors like body mass index and smoking, while interferon-related genes are linked to individual demographic factors such as sex and race/ethnicity. The study's findings could help explain social disparities in chronic diseases that emerge decades later.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020