Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) (EV-A71)

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family and is a primary causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. While often associated with self-limiting symptoms, EV-A71 is highly neurotropic and can cause severe, life-threatening neurological complications, including brainstem encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. The viral genome encodes a single polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into structural proteins (VP1-VP4) and non-structural proteins (2A-3D) by essential viral proteases. Therapeutic strategies typically target these viral components, such as the capsid proteins to prevent cell entry or the 3C protease and 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to arrest replication. Although inactivated vaccines are approved for use in certain regions, there are currently no globally licensed small-molecule antiviral drugs specifically indicated for EV-A71 infection.

Other names

Enterovirus 71EV71EV-A71Human enterovirus 71Enterovirus type 71HE71

Inhibition of viral entry/uncoating through capsid binding; inhibition of viral replication through 3C protease or 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) targeting; induction of protective neutralizing antibodies via vaccination.