Chemical approaches to selective inhibition of viral multiplication.

There are more than 300 immunological types of viruses that infect man, but most are members of only eight major groups, each group characterized by distinguishing physical and chemical features. Chemical inhibitors have been discovered which are selectively directed against members of individual groups of viruses. These inhibitors interfere with virus-specific processes and have no effects on host cell metabolism at concentrations sufficient to prevent or stop virus multiplication. The biochemical basis of such selective action is understood in some cases. In addition, synthetic chemicals and biological products are known that inhibit members of several groups of viruses. The basis of their selective action is not clear.