Screen anti-influenza lead compounds that target the PA(C) subunit of H5N1 viral RNA polymerase.

The avian influenza (H5N1) viral RNA polymerase protein PA(C) was used as a target to screen nine chlorogenic acid derivatives for their polymerase inhibitor activity. Among them, seven compounds were PA(C) ligands, and four inhibited influenza RNA polymerase activity. These results aid in the design of anti-influenza agents based on caffeoylquinic acid.