HSV-2 gD Inhibitors

The class of chemicals known as HSV-2 gD Inhibitors encompasses a range of antiviral agents that target various stages of the herpes simplex virus lifecycle, from DNA synthesis to viral entry. These compounds, through their different mechanisms of action, aim to reduce the expression or function of gD, thereby inhibiting its critical role in mediating the entry of HSV-2 into host cells.

The action of these inhibitors can be direct, such as in the case of Docosanol, which impedes the fusion process between the virus and the host cell, or indirect, where the focus is on reducing overall viral replication and protein synthesis, as seen with Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and others. By limiting viral replication, these compounds can lead to a decrease in the levels of viral proteins, including gD, thus hindering the virus's ability to successfully infect host cells.