The field of antiviral drug development has been thrust into the spotlight due to the global health emergency of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This pandemic has underscored the significant gaps in our therapeutic arsenal, particularly the limited availability of effective antiviral drugs. Despite advancements in immunization and drug development, many viruses remain without preventive vaccines or exhibit reduced susceptibility to traditional antiviral agents, leading to drug resistance. This resistance is often due to the high variability and mutation rates of RNA viruses, which complicate the development of effective treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore alternative therapeutic strategies that address issues such as high costs, drug resistance, and safety and efficacy limitations. Natural compounds derived from plants offer a promising avenue, as they have historically been a rich source of novel chemical structures with potential antiviral properties. These natural products have been integral to human medicine for millennia, providing a foundation for modern medical practices. Recent studies have demonstrated that natural compounds can exert antiviral effects through various mechanisms, such as blocking viral entry, inhibiting viral replication, and modulating host cellular processes. Despite these promising findings, further research is needed to fully characterize these compounds and their mechanisms of action, particularly in the context of intracellular signaling pathways that viruses exploit for replication.

This research topic aims to identify novel natural antiviral drugs and explore their potential uses against human viruses. The primary objective is to investigate the antiviral properties of natural extracts, focusing on the molecular mechanisms and phytochemical compounds responsible for their activity. By understanding these mechanisms, we can develop more effective antiviral therapies that leverage the unique properties of natural compounds. This research will also contribute to the broader goal of managing viral infections and pandemic outbreaks by expanding our arsenal of antiviral agents.

To gather further insights into the modulation of intracellular signaling pathways by natural compounds during viral infections, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The study of the effect of small natural molecules on viral and host transcriptional patterns.
- The development of bioinformatics and computational tools to assess natural compounds' antiviral impact.
- Biochemical assays based on protein-protein interactions and the mechanism of action in molecules with antiviral activity.
- The identification and in vitro and in vivo testing of new antiviral natural drugs.
- The signaling pathways and therapeutic targets of natural antivirals.
- The identification of pure biological molecules with antiviral and immunomodulatory activity.

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Innovative Strategies in Antiviral Therapy: Natural Compounds and Intracellular Signaling Pathways