Therapeutic intervention against human metapneumovirus (HMPV) associated symptoms

Abstract

Research providing clinical insight into the epidemiology, spectrum or burden of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is limited but may aid in directing public health interventions in regions most impacted. HMPVs are responsible for destructive respiratory infections among children, elderly and immunocompromised patients that can progress into mild pneumonia. However, there is no specific antiviral or a vaccine available for HMPV as per clinical observations. While treatment strategies aim to block the entry of the virus, replication and modulating the immune system amongst other stages of the viral life cycle through small molecule inhibitors fusion proteins and monoclonal antibodies - new RNA based therapeutics are on a critical path of advancement. Among many, augmenting the adaptive and innate immune response to enhance disease mitigating efficacy enables many immunomodulatory approaches, that are on further analysis and tests. Novel approaches to advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of HMPV and define new therapeutic targets to help the overall global health burden look very hopeful.