Host kinases and other host proteins

Host kinases and other host proteins represent a broad class of cellular components that are often exploited by pathogens, particularly viruses, to facilitate their life cycle (Garcia-Blanco et al., 2004, Nature). Unlike traditional antimicrobials that target viral proteins, host-directed therapies (HDTs) aim to modulate these endogenous proteins to inhibit infection or manage the host's inflammatory response (Kaufmann et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). This category includes a diverse array of molecules such as Janus kinases (JAKs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and various chaperones or transport proteins. While targeting host factors can provide a higher barrier to the development of drug resistance, it also poses significant risks of toxicity due to the essential roles these proteins play in normal cellular homeostasis (Prudêncio & Mota, 2013, EMBO Molecular Medicine). Consequently, drug development in this area requires careful balancing of therapeutic efficacy against potential systemic side effects. Examples of drugs in this space include JAK inhibitors used for severe viral inflammation and entry inhibitors that target host receptors (Zumla et al., 2016, The Lancet Infectious Diseases).

Other names

Host factorsHost cell proteinsHost-directed targetsHost-pathogen interaction factors

Host-directed therapy involves the modulation of endogenous cellular pathways, such as kinase signaling or receptor-mediated entry, to inhibit pathogen replication or mitigate pathological host responses (Kaufmann et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).