Targeting the Solute Carrier (SLC) Superfamily for Antiviral Therapy: Mechanisms of Action and Drug Discovery Perspectives

The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily, comprising over 450 transporter proteins, plays pivotal roles in nutrient absorption, transmembrane transport regulation, and immunometabolism, and is intimately linked to various pathological processes. This review systematically summarizes the latest progress of SLCs in the antiviral field, focusing on three classification mechanisms: firstly, SLCs function as critical receptors or cofactors for viral entry, mediating virus-host membrane adsorption and fusion; secondly, SLCs modulate host innate immune signaling pathways, thereby positively or negatively regulating antiviral immune responses; and thirdly, SLCs serve as transmembrane transporters for antiviral agents, determining their absorption, distribution, and metabolism (ADME) processes, which significantly influence therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, host-targeted antiviral strategies based on these mechanisms and the chemical structures of relevant molecules are systematically elucidated. Finally, the potential of targeting SLCs for novel antiviral drug development and the associated druggability challenges are discussed in depth, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular design and development of next-generation antiviral agents..