Strategies and efforts in circumventing the emergence of antiviral resistance against conventional antivirals

Antiviral resistance stemming from rapid viral evolution and adaptation is a major challenge faced in treating viral infections. Here, we describe the mechanisms and factors underlying antiviral resistance and their implications to future drug development. Current improvements to conventional methods provide viable options to overcome antiviral resistance. Ongoing efforts in developing new antiviral strategies are also discussed. Examples from across virology are used to illustrate how virus evolution and antiviral therapy influence each other.