New Chemical Compounds Pave the Way for Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Treatment

A research team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in collaboration with partner scientific institutions, has identified new chemical compounds capable of activating natural defense mechanisms within human cells. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that target multiple types of viruses, rather than focusing on a single one.
The team explained that their study involved screening a vast library of around 400,000 chemical compounds. They utilized advanced genetic optics techniques to assess the ability of these compounds to trigger the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) pathway — a cellular defense system that is activated in response to infection or environmental stress.
By using light-based techniques to stimulate specific cellular proteins, the researchers tested thousands of compounds in human cells and identified approximately 3,500 candidates with antiviral properties. These compounds were then further evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Among them, three compounds — IBX-200, IBX-202, and IBX-204 — stood out for their ability to significantly reduce viral infection levels in cells infected with Zika virus, herpes simplex virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The mechanism behind these compounds involves enhancing the cell’s own stress response to viral infection. When a virus enters a cell, it produces double-stranded RNA molecules that trigger the ISR pathway. This, in turn, halts the production of proteins necessary for viral replication. The new compounds amplify and accelerate this response, even in the presence of low viral loads, giving the cell a better chance to fight back.
Importantly, the compounds showed no adverse effects on uninfected cells, indicating a high level of safety. Lead researcher Felix Wong commented, “Traditionally, antiviral drugs are designed to target a specific virus. In this approach, we activate the host cell’s own defenses, which opens the door to a new class of broad-spectrum antivirals.” He highlighted the potential for a transformative shift in how viral diseases are treated, especially in the face of emerging or mutating viruses that are difficult to control with conventional therapies.