HSV-2 gG Inhibitors

HSV-2 gG Inhibitors represents compounds that, although not directly targeting the HSV-2 gG protein, play a crucial role in impeding the HSV-2 life cycle and thereby indirectly counteracting the functional aspects of gG. A common strategy is to inhibit the viral DNA replication machinery. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir all function based on this principle. Upon phosphorylation, these compounds become active and specifically target the viral DNA polymerase, disrupting the replication of viral DNA. Pritelivir and BILS 45 BS, on the other hand, inhibit the viral helicase-primase complex, another essential component in HSV DNA replication.

Other inhibitors, such as Docosanol, act by obstructing the fusion between the HSV envelope, which contains gG, and the host cell plasma membranes, thus preventing viral entry. In contrast, Foscarnet can directly curb the activity of viral DNA polymerase without requiring any prior modifications. Compounds like Tenofovir, although primarily known for their activity against retroviruses, exhibit inhibitory effects against HSV, denoting the multifaceted nature of these chemicals.