Human adenovirus (HAdV)

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a genus of non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that represent a significant clinical challenge, particularly in pediatric and immunocompromised populations [1][2]. These viruses utilize host cell machinery for replication, primarily through the action of the viral DNA polymerase, which is the primary target for current off-label antiviral therapies [3]. While HAdV infections are often self-limiting in healthy individuals, they can cause severe respiratory disease, keratoconjunctivitis, and hemorrhagic cystitis, with high mortality rates in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients [2][7]. Therapeutic intervention currently relies on broad-spectrum antivirals like cidofovir and its lipid-conjugate prodrug brincidofovir, which act as competitive inhibitors of the viral DNA polymerase and cause DNA chain termination [4][5]. Despite the clinical need, there are no specifically approved small-molecule inhibitors for HAdV, and drug development is hindered by the existence of over 100 distinct genotypes and the lack of a conserved, druggable pocket across all structural proteins [6]. Monitoring of HAdV DNA levels in the blood via quantitative PCR serves as a critical biomarker for diagnosing invasive disease and assessing the efficacy of antiviral interventions [1].

Other names

AdenoviridaeAdenovirusHAdV

DNA polymerase inhibition