Identification and use of antiviral compounds that inhibit interaction of host cell proteins and viral proteins required for viral replication

摘要

The present invention relates to the identification of host cell proteins that interact with viral proteins required for virus replication, and high throughput assays to identify compounds that interfere with the specific interaction between the viral and host cell protein. Interfering compounds that inhibit viral replication can be used therapeutically to treat viral infection. The invention is based, in part, on the discovery described herein of a novel interaction between the NP of influenza virus and a human host cell protein. The host cell protein, referred to herein as NPI-1, may be an accessory protein required for replication of influenza virus. Compounds that interfere with the binding of the host cell and viral proteins, and inhibit viral replication can be useful for treating viral infection in vivo.