AUTHOR=Maryanchik S. V. , Borovikova S. E. , Ivanova A. O. , Trofimov V. V. , Bagrova O. E. , Frolova A. S. , Mityaeva O. N. , Volchkov P. Yu , Deviatkin A. A. 

TITLE=Antivirotics based on defective interfering particles: emerging concepts and challenges

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1436026

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2025.1436026

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=Viruses are obligate parasites, that use the host’s internal metabolic systems for their own reproduction. This complicates the search for molecular targets to prevent the spread of viral infection without disrupting the vital functions of human cells. Defective interfering particles (DIPs) are natural competitors of viruses for important resources of viral reproduction. DIPs emerge during infection, originate from the normal viral replication process and inhibit its progression, making them an interesting candidate for antiviral therapy. Here we describe the biology of DIPs, advances in DIP-based antiviral technology, analyze their therapeutic potential and provide a systemic overview of existing preventive and therapeutic antiviral strategies.