RNA virus

RNA viruses are a broad group of viruses that use ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material, and include viruses with single-stranded (positive or negative sense) as well as double-stranded RNA genomes[1][3]. They are classified by features like genome type, replication mode, and host range, and include many important human pathogens such as influenza virus, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis C virus, and dengue virus[4][7]. Unlike typical therapeutic targets such as proteins, RNA viruses represent heterogeneous infectious agents rather than a single, well-defined molecular target. However, several viral proteins and processes (e.g., RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, viral proteases, viral RNA packaging signals) are considered important drug targets[2][4][6]. Strictly, "RNA virus" is not a therapeutic target in itself but describes a category of pathogens. The therapeutic relevance comes from targeting common features within this group (e.g., viral enzymes, conserved RNA structures), not from "RNA viruses" as a discrete receptor, enzyme, or protein. Therefore, "RNA viruses" as a target is too broad and general for standard target-based drug discovery frameworks, making the entry incorrect in the context of molecular targets[2][6][8].

Other names

RNA virusesribonucleic acid virus

Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase Inhibition of viral entry Immunomodulation via mRNA-based vaccines Inhibition of viral proteases