ro-7

Description: RO-7 is a novel, potent and next-generation PA (polymerase) endonuclease inhibitor of influenza A and B viruses, but its drug resistance potential is unknown. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs can be severely compromised by the emergence of resistant viruses. Therefore, determination of the mechanisms by which viruses become resistant is critical for drug development and clinical use. RO-7 is a compound that potently inhibits influenza virus replication and belongs to a new class of drugs in late-stage clinical trials for treatment of influenza virus infection. Here we demonstrate that a single amino acid change acquired under prolonged virus exposure to RO-7 renders influenza viruses significantly less susceptible to its inhibitory effects. We have discovered how the mutation can simultaneously interfere with drug activity and still maintain efficient virus replication. These findings have important implications for the development of more effective derivatives of RO-7-like drugs and provide guidance for how to monitor the emergence of resistance.

References: MBio. 2018 Apr 24; 9(2). pii: e00430-18.