Antiviral drugs typically target specific proteins or enzymes that are essential for the virus to replicate and infect host cells. In the context of catalysis, the primary targets include:
1. Viral Enzymes: Enzymes such as proteases, polymerases, and integrases are essential for viral replication. Inhibiting these enzymes can disrupt the viral life cycle. 2. Host Cell Enzymes: Certain host cell enzymes are hijacked by viruses for replication. Targeting these enzymes can prevent the virus from reproducing without harming the host cell. 3. Viral Entry Proteins: Proteins involved in the virus's entry into host cells are crucial targets. Inhibiting these proteins can prevent the virus from infecting new cells.
