Potential and action mechanism of favipiravir as an antiviral against Junin virus

Favipiravir is a nucleoside analogue that has been used for several RNA virus replication inhibitor. In this study, the efficacy of Favipiravir for Junin virus was examined by using a vaccine stain that can be handled in BSL-2 facilities. It was found that the favipiravir-resistant mutant has two mutation in glycoprotein and viral polymerase. The mutation in glycoprotein plays a role in enhancing virus internalization. The mutation in the polymerase has shown to be involved in the higher fidelity of RNA elongation. It was also shown that the evidence of accumulation of transition mutations during virus replication process, indicating that the Favipiravir plays as a purine analogue.