Human adenovirus type 8 (HAdV-8) (HAdV-8)

Human adenovirus type 8 (HAdV-8) is a non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Adenoviridae family and is the primary causative agent of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) [4, 12]. EKC is a severe and highly contagious ocular infection characterized by intense conjunctival inflammation and the formation of corneal subepithelial infiltrates, which can lead to long-term visual impairment [10, 22]. The virus initiates infection by using its fiber protein to bind to host cell receptors, such as sialic acid and CD46, followed by internalization and replication within the host cell nucleus [1, 21, 23]. While there are no FDA-approved antivirals specifically for HAdV-8, broad-spectrum DNA polymerase inhibitors like cidofovir and its lipid conjugate brincidofovir are often used off-label or in clinical trials [2, 18, 20]. Therapeutic challenges include the virus's high environmental stability and the lack of specific treatments, necessitating strict infection control and supportive management [12, 24]. Additionally, the virus's ability to cause nosocomial outbreaks makes it a significant concern in healthcare settings [4, 16]. Research into novel targets, such as the adenovirus protease and entry inhibitors, is ongoing to address the unmet medical need for effective anti-adenoviral therapy [13, 22].

Other names

HAdV-8HAdV-D8Human adenovirus 8Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis virusAdenovirus serotype 8

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase