Research progress in the antiviral effects and mechanisms of chloroquine

Chloroquine, a low-cost antimalarial agent, has garnered significant interest due to its extensive research foundation and potential anti-tumor and antiviral properties. Chloroquine exhibits broad-spectrum inhibitory effects against diverse human and animal pathogenic viruses in vitro. Its antiviral efficacy has been demonstrated against Zika virus and feline coronavirus in vivo. The primary action mechanisms of chloroquine include inhibition of viral binding to host cells and subsequent internalization, modulation of viral nucleic acid recognition pathways, blockade of autophagosome maturation, and regulation of cytokine secretion in the immune response. This review systematically summarizes the antiviral effects and mechanisms of chloroquine, providing a theoretical foundation for the future development of chloroquine and its derivatives as antivirals.