SUDAN VIRUS DISEASE: MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS, PHARMACOLOGICAL TARGETS AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Author

Madem Lavanya, Syeda Nishat Fathima


Abstract

 Sudan virus disease (SVD) is a severe, often fatal zoonotic infection caused by Sudan virus (SUDV; Orthoebolavirussudanense) and remains a major therapeutic challenge in East and Central Africa. Since its recognition in 1976, recurrent outbreaks, including those in Uganda in 2022 and 2025, have highlighted the absence of licensed SUDV-specific vaccines or therapeutics. This review integrates current understanding of SUDV molecular biology, host–pathogen interactions, and immunopathology with emerging pharmacological opportunities. Key targets include glycoprotein-mediated entry, endosomal trafficking, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex, VP35 and VP24-mediated immune evasion, VP40-mediated assembly, and pathological inflammatory, endothelial, and coagulation pathways. Emerging countermeasures include nucleoside analogues, monoclonal antibodies, RNA-based therapeutics, host-directed agents, and vaccine platforms. However, limited clinical evidence, treatment timing, model-to-human translation, and outbreak-related trial challenges remain significant barriers. Adaptive clinical trials, optimized supportive care, and coordinated outbreak preparedness are essential for advancing effective SUDV countermeasures.



Keywords

Sudan virus; Orthoebolavirussudanense; filovirus; viral haemorrhagic fever; antiviral pharmacology; monoclonal antibodies; vaccines; remdesivir



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References


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