MOLÉCULAS COM POTENCIAL ANTIVIRAL DERIVADAS DO METABOLISMO DE PORÍFEROS

Abstract

Marine sponges (Phylum Porifera) are abundant organisms widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems, recognized for their association with various symbiotic microorganisms and for producing secondary metabolites with pharmacological activity. In recent decades, compounds derived from poriferans have attracted significant interest due to their antiviral potential, especially given the emergence of viral epidemics such as COVID-19, HIV, and viral hepatitis. This bibliographic review aimed to identify antiviral compounds isolated from marine sponges, described in the literature between 2020 and 2025, using the PubMed database and the descriptors "marine sponge" and "antiviral". Studies clearly demonstrating the antiviral activity of isolated compounds were included. The results indicate a diversity of bioactive molecules in in vitro assays, in silico simulations, and, to a lesser extent, in vivo models, acting on different stages of the viral cycle, such as protease inhibition, blockade of viral entry, immune system modulation, and replication suppression. Several compounds proved promising for more robust studies, and some even showed antiviral activity for more than one disease, such as Ilimaquinone (C22H30O4) and Hamigeran B. Despite the advances, most studies are in early stages, requiring preclinical and clinical trials to enable their therapeutic application. The findings reinforce the potential of poriferans as sources of novel antiviral agents and highlight the importance of marine bioprospecting in combating emerging infectious diseases.