Researchers show that temporarily emulating the ISG15‑deficiency immune state can protect human cells and animals against multiple viruses (e.g., Zika, SARS‑CoV‑2). By targeting the host’s interferon‑regulation pathway instead of each virus, this strategy could create a new class of broad‑spectrum antivirals for outbreak stockpiles. Safety will hinge on dialing antiviral benefits without triggering harmful inflammation.
— Host‑directed, universal antivirals would reshape pandemic readiness beyond strain‑specific vaccines, influencing funding, regulatory pathways, and biodefense strategy.
msmash
2026.01.09
44% relevant
While the article focuses on vaccines, it implies a broader therapeutics and biodefense landscape where host‑directed and platform medicines (e.g., universal antivirals) are complementary. The rapid vaccine pace raises the governance question the antiviral idea flags: investments in platform biology and preparedness shape next‑decade outcomes.
msmash
2026.01.05
80% relevant
Both propose broad‑spectrum, host‑or pathogen‑agnostic antiviral strategies to reduce reliance on strain‑specific vaccines; the Cas13 nasal/mRNA approach aims to disable conserved viral sequences across influenza subtypes, which is directly comparable to the earlier idea of universal antiviral stockpiles or host‑directed defenses for outbreak preparedness.
EditorDavid
2026.01.04
60% relevant
Although framed for viruses, the existing idea — host‑directed, broad‑spectrum therapeutics that change host responses to pathogens — maps to Candida auris concerns: multi‑drug resistance increases the value of host‑targeted antifungal strategies, vaccine acceleration, and non‑pathogen‑specific clinical countermeasures mentioned in the article.
Sarah Wells
2025.10.15
100% relevant
Columbia University’s Dusan Bogunovic and colleagues’ August Science Translational Medicine study showing a candidate drug protecting mice and hamsters from several viruses by leveraging ISG15 biology.