Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV)

Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Orthohantavirus and family Hantaviridae that is endemic to northern and central Europe and parts of Russia[1][3][5]. Its natural reservoir is the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), in which the virus causes chronic, largely asymptomatic infection. PUUV is the principal agent responsible for nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans[1]. Transmission to humans occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta. The viral genome is organized into three segments encoding the nucleoprotein (structural S segment), glycoproteins Gn/Gc (M segment), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L segment)[1][2][5]. PUUV infection in humans is usually mild, but can result in acute kidney injury and, rarely, death. There are currently no specific licensed antiviral treatments or vaccines for PUUV infection. Molecular and evolutionary studies reveal significant genetic diversity among regional lineages of PUUV, affecting both pathogenesis and epidemiology[2][3][4][5]. Research on immune correlates of severity indicate involvement of host genetic factors such as HLA and ERAP1 in susceptibility and clinical outcome[8].\n\nNotes on structure and suitability as target:\nPUUV is a pathogenic virus, not a traditional molecular drug target like a receptor or enzyme. It is generally not considered a \"therapeutic target\" in drug discovery nomenclature, but rather a pathogen for which vaccines or antivirals could be developed. For structure-based drug or antibody discovery, relevant molecular targets within PUUV would be its viral proteins (nucleoprotein, glycoprotein Gc/Gn, or polymerase)[6][5]. If the intent was to name a discrete molecular target, specifying the viral protein (e.g. \"Puumala virus glycoprotein Gc\") would be more appropriate.\n\nIncorrectness comment:\n- \"Puumala virus\" names a whole virus species, not an individual drug target or receptor. Its components (e.g. glycoprotein Gc, nucleoprotein) would be suitable targets; otherwise, \"Puumala virus\" is too generic to be a canonical drug target[1][5][6].

Other names

Puumala virusPuumala hantavirusOrthohantavirus puumalaense

Antiviral agents, when used, inhibit viral RNA synthesis or replication