Viral genome synthesis

Viral genome synthesis describes the process by which viruses replicate their genetic material (either DNA or RNA) inside host cells using specialized viral enzymes such as DNA polymerases, RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, or reverse transcriptases[1][3]. This is a critical step in the viral life cycle and relies on the hijacking of host or viral-encoded replication machinery, often in different cellular compartments depending on the virus type (e.g., nucleus for many DNA viruses, cytoplasm for most RNA viruses)[1][3]. Drugs that inhibit viral genome synthesis generally target these viral enzymes, aiming to block the conversion or copying of viral nucleic acids and thus inhibit virus replication and pathogenicity. Note: Since "Viral genome synthesis" is a process, not a discrete protein, enzyme, or receptor, it is not considered a conventional druggable "target" by strict molecular pharmacology standards[1][3]. The true drug targets are usually the specific viral enzymes or proteins (DNA polymerase, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase) involved in this process.

Other names

Viral genome replicationViral genome replication machineryViral nucleic acid synthesis

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, Inhibition of reverse transcriptase, Chain termination during nucleic acid synthesis