Question

Antiviral drugs, like Tamiflu and Relenza, that are effective against the influenza virus by preventing viral escape from host cells are called _____.

Short answer

Neuraminidase inhibitors.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Function of the Antiviral Drugs

Recognize that the antiviral drugs mentioned, Tamiflu and Relenza, function by inhibiting the release of new viral particles from infected host cells.

Identifying the Class based on Function

Since these drugs prevent viral escape, they are classified based on their function, which is to inhibit a specific step in the viral life cycle.

Naming the Class of Antiviral Drugs

The class of antiviral drugs that prevent influenza viral particles from leaving host cells and thereby stop the spread of infection within the body are known as neuraminidase inhibitors.

Key concepts

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs are a class of medication specifically used to treat viral infections, and they play a critical role in managing diseases caused by viruses. Unlike antibiotics, which target bacteria, antiviral drugs must navigate the complex environment of a host's cells to be effective. These medications work by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate within the human body, thus reducing symptoms and preventing the spread of the infection to others.

For example, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are common antiviral drugs used to combat the influenza virus. They are specifically tailored to target the virus's life cycle within the host cells. Instead of directly destroying the virus, they block a critical enzyme—neuraminidase—thereby preventing the release of new viral particles. This has the dual effect of both limiting the spread of the virus within the body and reducing the overall duration and severity of the illness.

Influenza Virus

The influenza virus, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious agent that can cause seasonal epidemics and, at times, global pandemics. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, among others. The virus is highly mutable, which means it can change its genetic makeup, leading to different strains circulating each year. This is one of the reasons why the flu vaccine is updated annually to target the most prevalent strains.

Influenza targets the respiratory system and spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. The virus uses the host's cellular machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles. Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza are particularly useful in the early stages of infection, aiming to reduce the virus's ability to spread within the respiratory tract and to other people.

Viral Life Cycle

The viral life cycle refers to the series of steps a virus takes to replicate and proliferate within a host organism. It begins with the virus attaching to a host cell and injecting its genetic material into it. Then, the virus harnesses the host cell's machinery to replicate its genetic material and produce viral proteins.

After replication, new viral particles are assembled and must be released from the host cell to infect new cells and propagate the infection. In the case of the influenza virus, this release is facilitated by the enzyme neuraminidase, which allows the newly formed viral particles to exit the host cell. Neuraminidase inhibitors, by blocking this enzyme, effectively stop the release of new influenza viruses, disrupting the viral life cycle and curtailing the spread of the flu within an infected individual. Understanding the importance of this step in the viral life cycle is fundamental for the effective use of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza.