IRES-targeting small molecule inhibits enterovirus 71 replication via allosteric stabilization of a ternary complex

The Tolbert Lab, in collaboration with researchers from Duke University and Rutgers University, have identified a potential drug candidate against Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a pathogen with no FDA-approved drug or vaccine.  The compound of interest binds to the viral RNA which induces a conformational change that inhibits viral replication.
This work provides a blueprint for the identification of viral inhibitors with improved potency and the validation of their mechanism of action.”