What do antiviral drugs target to inhibit viral activities?

Antiviral drugs are designed to specifically disrupt certain stages of the viral life cycle to inhibit the ability of viruses to infect host cells and replicate. These stages can include viral entry into cells, replication of viral genetic material, assembly of viral components, or release of new virions from the host cell. By precisely targeting these distinct phases, antiviral medications can effectively limit viral propagation without causing excessive harm to the host's cells.

This approach is advantageous because it allows for a more targeted therapeutic strategy, potentially reducing side effects associated with treating viral infections. For instance, some antiviral drugs interfere with reverse transcription in retroviruses, while others may block viral proteases or inhibit specific polymerases involved in nucleic acid synthesis, showcasing the versatility in targeting various aspects of the viral life cycle.