Viral DNA Polymerase (None)

Viral DNA polymerases are essential enzymes encoded by DNA viruses, responsible for the replication of viral genomes. They catalyze the synthesis of new DNA strands using deoxyribonucleotides as substrates and a pre-existing viral or host DNA strand as a template. These enzymes are central to viral genome replication and transcription, often functioning as multifunctional proteins due to the limited coding capacity of viral genomes. Viral DNA polymerase is an attractive antiviral drug target because it is highly conserved within virus families but sufficiently different from host cell enzymes to allow selective inhibition. Resistance can arise via mutations in key residues affecting substrate/inhibitor recognition. Ongoing research focuses on developing broad-spectrum inhibitors targeting conserved active site features across diverse viruses.

Other names

Viral PolymeraseViral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase activity, leading to termination of chain elongation or allosteric blockade of enzyme function.