Targeting the host protein G3BP1 for the discovery of novel antiviral inhibitors against Chikungunya virus (Updated May 9, 2024).

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the potential of targeting the host protein G3BP1 for the discovery of antiviral inhibitors against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The study found that CHIKV replication relies on the interaction between CHIKV nsP3 and the G3BP1 stress granule protein. The researchers identified seven small molecules that target the FGDF binding pocket of G3BP1, which exhibited good binding affinities and dose-dependent inhibition in CHIKV-infected cells. These findings suggest that G3BP1 could be a potential therapeutic target for CHIKV and offer prospects for developing treatments for CHIKV disease. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]