Protein-protein interactions as targets for antiviral chemotherapy

Most cellular and viral processes depend on the coordinated formation of protein–protein interactions. With a better understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of human viruses it has become possible to screen for and detect inhibitors with activity against specific viral functions and to develop new approaches for the treatment of viral infections. A novel strategy to inhibit viral replication is based on the disruption of viral protein–protein complexes by peptides that mimic either face of the interaction between subunits. Peptides and peptide mimetics capable of dissociating protein–protein interactions have such exquisite specificity that they hold great promise as the next generation of therapeutic agents. This review is focused on recent developments using peptides and small molecules to inhibit protein–protein interactions between cellular and/or viral proteins with comments on the practicalities of transforming chemical leads into derivatives with the characteristics desired of medicinal compounds.