Viral and host nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) (DNA/RNA)

Viral and host RNA/DNA refers to the collective genetic material of an organism and any invading pathogens, serving as the blueprint for protein synthesis and cellular replication. In therapeutic contexts, these nucleic acids are targeted to halt the proliferation of cancer cells or the replication of viruses. Host DNA is frequently targeted by cytotoxic agents like alkylators and intercalators that induce structural damage, thereby triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells (StatPearls, 2023). Viral RNA and DNA are targeted by nucleoside analogs and antisense technologies designed to disrupt the viral life cycle without ideally affecting host processes (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2017). These molecules are also the focus of modern gene therapies and mRNA vaccines, which utilize nucleic acids as the therapeutic agent itself to induce protein expression (Nature, 2021). However, the broad nature of these targets often leads to significant challenges in selectivity, resulting in side effects such as myelosuppression and potential long-term mutagenicity (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018). Furthermore, the delivery of nucleic acid-targeting drugs to specific tissues remains a major hurdle in clinical development (Molecular Therapy, 2020).

Other names

Nucleic acidsPolynucleotidesGenomic DNAMessenger RNAViral genomeGenetic material

Drugs targeting nucleic acids operate through several distinct mechanisms: alkylating agents form covalent bonds with DNA bases to prevent replication; intercalating agents slide between base pairs to disrupt the double helix structure; antisense oligonucleotides bind to specific mRNA sequences to trigger degradation or block translation; and nucleoside analogs act as chain terminators during the synthesis of new DNA or RNA strands (StatPearls, 2023; Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2017).