Multiple host pathways

The term Multiple host pathways refers to a therapeutic strategy known as host-directed therapy (HDT), which targets the host organism's own cellular processes rather than the pathogen itself (Zumla et al., 2016, The Lancet Infectious Diseases). This approach is increasingly utilized in treating complex conditions such as viral infections, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases where targeting a single molecule may be insufficient or lead to rapid drug resistance. By modulating pathways involved in the innate immune response, metabolic signaling, or protein synthesis, these therapies aim to bolster the host's defense mechanisms or mitigate harmful hyper-inflammatory responses like cytokine storms (Richardson et al., 2020, The Lancet). For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several drugs were repurposed to target multiple host pathways to prevent viral entry and reduce lung inflammation (Artaza et al., 2021, Frontiers in Immunology). While this strategy offers the advantage of broad-spectrum efficacy and a high genetic barrier to resistance, it carries significant risks of systemic toxicity and the unintended suppression of essential physiological functions.

Other names

Host-directed therapy targetsHost cellular pathwaysEndogenous signaling networksHost-pathogen interface pathways

Modulation of various host-encoded biological processes to enhance protective immunity, reduce immunopathology, or deprive pathogens of the cellular machinery required for replication (Kaufmann et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).