A genome-wide host-directed screening strategy identified both potential antiviral drug candidates and cellular signaling routes hijacked by SARS-CoV-2. The study, published in npj Viruses, used the host genome as an experimental “target space,” shifting emphasis from viral proteins alone toward the cellular machinery the virus exploits. By coupling antiviral discovery with mapping of pro-viral pathways, the work offers candidates that may complement or broaden existing approaches—particularly where viral mutation could otherwise erode effectiveness. The platform also highlights host pathways as actionable nodes for combination strategies. For biotech teams developing antivirals, the report provides a blueprint for integrating functional genomics into discovery pipelines that search for targets beyond the viral genome.