Antiviral drug discovery by targeting the envelope glycoproteins of influenza A virus

Influenza A viruses are enveloped RNA viruses and composed of eight single-stranded, negative-sensed RNA segments. Among eight single strand components of influenza A virion hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, two surface glycoproteins, are interesting targets for antiviral drug discovery. Scientists are trying to discover newer antiviral compounds for the prevention of future pandemic and resistant strains of influenza A viruses targeting the surface glycoproteins. These viruses cause respiratory diseases in humans and animals with a high morbidity and mortality. In this review, various methods are described for screening of antiviral compounds of influenza A viruses by targeting the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.