Method

Advantages

Disadvantages

BSL-3/4 Limitations

Targeted Screen
  1. Can be done in BSL-1
  2. Mechanism of action is known
  3. Can find “broad-spectrum” targets
  1. Lower number of hits
  2. Must have more information about protein of interest
  3. Limited number of targets
  1. Does not have to be done in BSL-3/4, unless wild-type virus is used

Diversity Screen
  1. More available targets
  2. Can find “novel” targets
  3. Can use infectious virus
  1. No mechanism of action
  2. Longer time until potential drug is available
  3. Libraries can be expensive
  1. Equipment (robotics, assay readers, etc.) must be in BSL-3/4
  2. Appropriate PPE required
  3. Decontamination of samples is required before removal from lab

RNAi
  1. Can target specific host proteins and pathways
  2. Mechanism of action may be known
  3. Can use infectious virus
  1. Pathways identified can be essential to host cell survival
  2. Drugs developed after identification of pathway, costing more time and effort
  1. Screening equipment (robotics, assay readers, etc.) must be in BSL-3/4 suites
  2. Appropriate PPE required
  3. Decontamination of samples is required before removal from lab
Table 1: