Host molecular targets

Host molecular targets refers to the broad spectrum of endogenous human proteins, including receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules, that are either exploited by pathogens for survival or involved in the progression of chronic diseases (PMID: 28232471). In the context of infectious diseases, host-directed therapies (HDTs) focus on these targets to block pathogen entry, inhibit replication, or modulate the host's inflammatory response (PMID: 32546404). For instance, the CCR5 receptor is a well-known host target used by HIV-1, and the ACE2 receptor is the primary entry point for SARS-CoV-2 (PMID: 32221306). Targeting host factors offers a high barrier to the development of antimicrobial resistance because the host genome does not mutate as rapidly as viral or bacterial genomes (PMID: 26150511). However, because these targets often serve essential physiological roles, pharmacological intervention carries a risk of systemic toxicity and off-target effects (PMID: 30030516). Consequently, the development of drugs for host molecular targets requires a precise understanding of the target's role in both health and disease to ensure a viable therapeutic window.

Other names

Host factorsHost cell proteinsHost-directed targetsHuman molecular targets

Modulation of endogenous human proteins to interfere with pathogen life cycles, enhance host defense mechanisms, or regulate pathological inflammatory responses.