Current challenges in the discovery of treatments against Mayaro fever

Author(s)

Marques, Rafael Elias ; Shimizu, Jacqueline Farinha ; Nogueira, Mauricio Lacerda ; Vasilakis, Nikos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EXPERT OPINION ON THERAPEUTIC TARGETS; v. 28, n. 5, p. 12-pg., 2024-05-10.

Abstract

IntroductionMayaro fever is an emerging viral disease that manifests as an acute febrile illness. The disease is self-limiting, however joint pain can persist for months leading to chronic arthralgia. There is no specific treatment available, which ultimately leads to socioeconomic losses in populations at risk as well as strains to the public health systems.Areas coveredWe reviewed the candidate treatments proposed for Mayaro virus (MAYV) infection and disease, including antiviral compounds targeting viral or host mechanisms, and pathways involved in disease development and pathogenicity. We assessed compound screening technologies and experimental infection models used in these studies and indicated the advantages and limitations of available technologies and intended therapeutic strategies.Expert opinionAlthough several compounds have been suggested as candidate treatments against MAYV infection, notably those with antiviral activity, most compounds were assessed only in vitro. Compounds rarely progress toin vivo or preclinical studies, and such difficulty may be associated with limited experimental models. MAYV biology is largely inferred from related alphaviruses and reflected by few studies focusing on target proteins or mechanisms of action for MAYV. Therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic inflammatory responses have shown potential against MAYV-induced disease in vivo, which might reduce long-term sequelae. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03645-1 - Study of the virus-vector interaction and the mechanisms involved in modulating the dynamics of viral transmission
• Grantee: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/05519-0 - Understanding the role of neutrophil recruitment and activation in arboviral diseases
• Grantee: Rafael Elias Marques Pereira Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants