This invention discloses the application of ZAK inhibitors in the preparation of drugs for treating EV71
virus infection, relating to the biomedical field. The ZAK inhibitors exert their effects by inhibiting the ZAK-p38
MAPK signaling pathway and by inhibiting the ZAKα-mediated ribosomal
toxicity stress response (RSR). The ZAK inhibitor is
nilotinib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Cellular and animal experiments of this invention demonstrate that EV71 infection activates the ZAKα-mediated p38 MAPK pathway (RSR), promoting
viral replication and leading to multi-
organ damage. ZAK inhibitors (such as
nilotinib) can inhibit this pathway, reduce the expression of the
viral protein VP1, and improve infection-induced
renal function damage, metabolic disorders, and
muscle damage. Therefore, ZAK inhibitors can be used to prepare anti-EV71 drugs.