Antiviral mechanism of molnupiravir and its effects on cellular life activities

Abstract:

Molnupiravir, a prodrug of the novel nucleoside analog N-hydroxycytidine, has broad-spectrum antiviral activity and can significantly inhibit the replication of pathogens such as influenza virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and mpox virus. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that N-hydroxycytidine inhibits viral proliferation by inducing lethal mutations in the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase during replication. However, the process by which molnupiravir is converted to N-hydroxycytidine in vivo to exert its antiviral effect may interfere with the normal life activities of host cells. This article systematically reviews the antiviral mechanism of molnupiravir converting to N-hydroxycytidine and its potential impact on cell activity, providing reference information for medical workers or researchers employing molnupiravir to treat viral infections.