Emerging antiviral therapeutics for human adenovirus infection: Recent developments and novel strategies

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are ubiquitous human pathogens that cause a significant burden of respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Although HAdV infections are generally self-limiting, pediatric and immunocompromised individuals are at particular risk for developing severe disease. Currently, no approved antiviral therapies specific to HAdV exist. Recent outbreaks underscore the need for effective antiviral agents to treat life-threatening infections. In this review we will focus on recent developments in search of potential therapeutic agents for controlling HAdV infections, with a focus on those targeting post-entry stages of the virus replicative cycle. •Adenovirus infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially for immunocompromised individuals.•Existing antiviral therapy options for adenovirus infections are limited.•Many new inhibitors of adenovirus infection have been recently identified.•Viral rewiring of cellular pathways may create chemically addressable vulnerabilities otherwise absent in healthy cells.•Repurposing existing approved drugs to treat adenovirus infections is a promising approach.