Topical butylated hydroxytoluene treatment of genital herpes simplex virus infections of guinea pigs

Ferroptosis in viral infection: the unexplored possibility

Virus-induced cell death has long been thought of as a double-edged sword in the inhibition or exacerbation of viral infections. The vital role of iron, an essential element for various enzymes in the maintenance of cellular physiology and efficient viral replication, places it at the crossroads and makes it a micronutrient of competition between the viruses and the host. Viruses can interrupt iron uptake and the antioxidant response system, while others can utilize iron transporter proteins as receptors. Interestingly, the unavailability of iron facilitates certain viral infections and causes cell death characterized by lipid peroxide accumulation and malfunction of the antioxidant system. In this review, we discuss how iron uptake, regulation and metabolism, including the redistribution of iron in the host defense system during viral infection, can induce ferroptosis. Fenton reactions, a central characteristic of ferroptosis, are caused by the increased iron content in the cell. Therefore, viral infections that increase cellular iron content or intestinal iron absorption are likely to cause ferroptosis. In addition, we discuss the hijacking of the iron regulatoy pathway and the antioxidant response, both of which are typical in viral infections. Understanding the potential signaling mechanisms of ferroptosis in viral infections will aid in the development of new therapeutic agents.

Effects of cytokines and R-837, a cytokine inducer, on UV-irradiation augmented recurrent genital herpes in guinea pigs

We have recently reported that latently HSV-2-infected guinea pigs exhibit a three- to four-fold increase in recurrent lesions after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), allowing rapid evaluation of antiviral drugs in treating recurrent HSV disease. In this report we examine the effect of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and a cytokine inducer (R-837) on UV-induced recurrent genital herpes. We have previously shown that topical R-837 is a biologic response modifier with no in vitro anti-HSV activity, but with potent anti-HSV activity in vivo due to cytokine induction and enhancement of cell-mediated immune responses. Three-day regimens of intravaginal R-837, or five-day intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of IFN-alpha or of IL-2 each significantly reduced recurrent genital HSV-2 disease that occurred within 7 days of UV exposure, suggesting that cytokines or cytokine inducers may be useful in the treatment of recurrent HSV disease. This model using ultraviolet radiation to induce recurrent herpes simplex virus infection proved useful in the evaluation of immunoactive agents as putative antiviral drugs.

Recurrent genital herpes in the guinea pig augmented by ultraviolet irradiation: effects of treatment with acyclovir

The guinea pig model of genital herpes simplex virus infection has proven useful in the evaluation of antiviral drugs. We have recently demonstrated that recurrent herpetic infections can be induced in latently infected guinea pigs by ultraviolet irradiation. In this report we have examined the effect of acyclovir on ultraviolet radiation-induced recurrent genital herpes. Prophylactic topical acyclovir decreased the severity but not the incidence of ultraviolet radiation-induced recurrences while intraperitoneal acyclovir initiated before ultraviolet irradiation reduced both the incidence and severity of induced recurrences. When treatment was begun after ultraviolet exposure, neither topical nor intraperitoneal acyclovir were effective in reducing the incidence or severity of induced recurrent disease. The effectiveness of acyclovir in the control of induced recurrent genital infections in the guinea pig is similar to what has been observed in human trials. This model of ultraviolet radiation-induced recurrent herpes simplex virus infection should prove useful in the evaluation on new putative antiviral drugs.

An approach to AIDS therapy using hyperthermia and membrane modification

Altering the biophysical characteristics of cell membranes by diet and membrane perturbing agents markedly influences thermosensitivity of cells. Likewise, manipulation of viral envelopes either by altering their lipid composition by diet or by the use of agents that perturb the lipid envelope influence infectivity of enveloped viruses and the progression of viral disease. The use of hyperthermia and envelope modification as a combined approach to treat AIDS has until now neither been suggested nor attempted. On the basis of my previous work and a review of the literature, I theorize that the combination of hyperthermia with procedures designed to alter the viral envelope will likely result in an increased viral sensitivity and be useful clinically for treatment of patients with enveloped viral diseases such as AIDS.