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Malik S, Bora J, Dhasmana A, Kishore S, Nag S, Preetam S, Uniyal P, Slama P, Mukherjee N, Haque S, Swed S. An update on current understanding of the epidemiology and management of the re-emerging endemic Lassa fever outbreaks. Int J Surg 2023; 109:584-586. [PMID: 37093095 PMCID: PMC10389424 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Archna Dhasmana
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University
| | - Shristi Kishore
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu
| | | | - Priyanka Uniyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nobendu Mukherjee
- Department of Microbiology, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
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Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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Malhotra H, Kumar A. Codon usage signatures in Sabia and Chapare for host adaptation. Bioinformation 2021; 17:891-898. [PMID: 35574503 PMCID: PMC9070627 DOI: 10.6026/97320630017891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sabia and Chapare viruses in the Arenavirus family cause viral hemorrhagic fever among humans with a fatality rate of 30% with no treatment models. Therefore, it is of interest to document the codon usage, amino acid patterns and associated factors influencing the observed variations in Sabia and Chapare viruses for host adaptation. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed compositional constraint and host selection pressure influencing the viral codon usage patterns. These data suggests the codon usage signatures in Sabia and Chapare viruses for host adaptation in the human host implying its role in the rapid progression of the infection. Dinucleotides UpG and CpA were noted to be over-represented among the Sabia, Chapare viruses and human genomes. Strong restraint from the usage of CpG dinucleotides among viruses is linked with the molecular mimicry of the human immune system. Thus, the data reported from this study help in understanding the mechanism of viral adaptation inside the host genome for further consideration in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himani Malhotra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab, INDIA -144411
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab, INDIA -144411
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Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is on the top-priority infections list of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO). This review explores the different treatment approaches found in the literature within the last 20 years. Even though ribavirin stands out among medication options, only one clinical trial was done to assess its efficacy in humans, which necessitated that we look in-depth about the latest updates in managing LF infection. For that matter, we used a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search on PubMed. Inclusion criteria included papers written in the English language and human subjects. Intravenous (IV) ribavirin is the most effective treatment for an acute infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis with oral ribavirin is recommended. There is not sufficient evidence to recommended convalescent plasma for the treatment of Lassa fever. LF continues to be left in the shade from global and scientific attention despite experts expecting a rise in current and future infections due to the Lassa fever virus (LFV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Alli
- Medicine, Tishreen University Faculty of Medicine, Lattakia, SYR.,Internal Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, ESP
| | - Juan Fernando Ortiz
- Neurology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU.,Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Stephanie P Fabara
- Internal Medicine, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, ECU
| | - Amrapali Patel
- Public Health, George Washington University, Washington , USA
| | - Taras Halan
- General Medicine, Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, UKR
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Hansen F, Jarvis MA, Feldmann H, Rosenke K. Lassa Virus Treatment Options. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040772. [PMID: 33917071 PMCID: PMC8067676 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever causes an approximate 5000 to 10,000 deaths annually in West Africa and cases have been imported into Europe and the Americas, challenging public health. Although Lassa virus was first described over 5 decades ago in 1969, no treatments or vaccines have been approved to treat or prevent infection. In this review, we discuss current therapeutics in the development pipeline for the treatment of Lassa fever, focusing on those that have been evaluated in humans or animal models. Several treatments, including the antiviral favipiravir and a human monoclonal antibody cocktail, have shown efficacy in preclinical rodent and non-human primate animal models and have potential for use in clinical settings. Movement of the promising preclinical treatment options for Lassa fever into clinical trials is critical to continue addressing this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Hansen
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Michael A Jarvis
- The Vaccine Group Ltd., University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Kyle Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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Nyström K, Waldenström J, Tang KW, Lagging M. Ribavirin: pharmacology, multiple modes of action and possible future perspectives. Future Virol 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribavirin is a unique guanosine analog with broad-spectrum activity against many RNA and DNA viruses. In addition to its mutational properties, ribavirin exerts extensive perturbation of cellular and viral gene expression. Furthermore, recent advances indicate that the impact of ribavirin on divergent cellular and viral pathways may be concentration dependent. This review aims at providing an overview of the pharmacology and multiple modes of action of ribavirin as well as pointing to possible novel future uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Nyström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
| | - Jesper Waldenström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
| | - Ka-Wei Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
| | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
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Etivand N, Ahmadi Sabegh M, Khalafy J. Synthesis of a new series of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-1-ium hydroxides by a one-pot, three-component reaction in water. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-018-2315-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Nyström K, Wanrooij PH, Waldenström J, Adamek L, Brunet S, Said J, Nilsson S, Wind-Rotolo M, Hellstrand K, Norder H, Tang KW, Lagging M. Inosine Triphosphate Pyrophosphatase Dephosphorylates Ribavirin Triphosphate and Reduced Enzymatic Activity Potentiates Mutagenesis in Hepatitis C Virus. J Virol 2018; 92:e01087-18. [PMID: 30045981 PMCID: PMC6146798 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01087-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A third of humans carry genetic variants of the ITP pyrophosphatase (ITPase) gene (ITPA) that lead to reduced enzyme activity. Reduced ITPase activity was earlier reported to protect against ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia and to diminish relapse following ribavirin and interferon therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 infections. While several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the antiviral actions of ribavirin, details regarding the mechanisms of interaction between reduced ITPase activity and ribavirin remain unclear. The in vitro effect of reduced ITPase activity was assessed by means of transfection of hepatocytes (Huh7.5 cells) with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against ITPA or a negative-control siRNA in the presence or absence of ribavirin in an HCV culture system. Low ribavirin concentrations strikingly depleted intracellular GTP levels in HCV-infected hepatocytes whereas higher ribavirin concentrations induced G-to-A and C-to-U single nucleotide substitutions in the HCV genome, with an ensuing reduction of HCV RNA expression and HCV core antigen production. Ribavirin triphosphate (RTP) was dephosphorylated in vitro by recombinant ITPase to a similar extent as ITP, a naturally occurring substrate of ITPase, and reducing ITPA expression in Huh 7.5 cells by siRNA increased intracellular levels of RTP in addition to increasing HCV mutagenesis and reducing progeny virus production. Our results extend the understanding of the biological impact of reduced ITPase activity, demonstrate that RTP is a substrate of ITPase, and may point to personalized ribavirin dosage according to ITPA genotype in addition to novel antiviral strategies.IMPORTANCE This study highlights the multiple modes of action of ribavirin, including depletion of intracellular GTP and increased hepatitis C virus mutagenesis. In cell culture, reduced ITP pyrophosphatase (ITPase) enzyme activity affected the intracellular concentrations of ribavirin triphosphate (RTP) and augmented the impact of ribavirin on the mutation rate and virus production. Additionally, our results imply that RTP, similar to ITP, a naturally occurring substrate of ITPase, is dephosphorylated in vitro by ITPase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Nyström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paulina H Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jesper Waldenström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ludmila Adamek
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofia Brunet
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joanna Said
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Kristoffer Hellstrand
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helene Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ka-Wei Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Thomas JM, Thorpe PE. Protective Effect of Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibody in a Guinea Pig Model of Advanced Hemorrhagic Arenavirus Infection. Open Microbiol J 2017; 11:303-315. [PMID: 29290843 PMCID: PMC5737030 DOI: 10.2174/1874285801711010303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Host derived markers on virally infected cells or virions may provide targets for the generation of antiviral agents. Recently, we identified phosphatidylserine (PS) as a host marker of virions and virally-infected cells. Methods and Materials Under normal physiological conditions, PS is maintained on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane facing the cytosol. Following viral infection, activation or pre-apoptotic changes cause PS to become externalized. We have previously shown that bavituximab, a chimeric human-mouse antibody that binds PS complexed with β2-glycoprotein I (β2GP1), protected rodents against lethal Pichinde virus and cytomegalovirus infections. Results Here, we determined the antiviral activity of a fully human monoclonal antibody, PGN632, that directly binds to PS. Treatment with PGN632 protected 20% of guinea pigs with advanced infections of the hemorrhagic arenavirus, Pichinde, from death. Combining PGN632 with ribavirin improved the antiviral activity of both agents, such that the combination rescued 50% of animals from death. Conclusion The major mechanisms of action of PGN632 appear to be opsonization of virus and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of virally-infected cells. PS-targeting agents may have utility in the treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Thomas
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Biology; School of Medicine 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539, USA
| | - Philip E Thorpe
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Department of Pharmacology 2201 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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Waldenström J, Westin J, Nyström K, Christensen P, Dalgard O, Färkkilä M, Lindahl K, Nilsson S, Norkrans G, Krarup H, Norrgren H, Rauning Buhl M, Stenmark S, Lagging M. Randomized Trial Evaluating the Impact of Ribavirin Mono-Therapy and Double Dosing on Viral Kinetics, Ribavirin Pharmacokinetics and Anemia in Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155142. [PMID: 27167219 PMCID: PMC4864304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study (RibaC), 58 hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infected treatment-naïve patients were randomized to (i) 2 weeks ribavirin double dosing concomitant with pegylated interferon-α (pegIFN-α), (ii) 4 weeks ribavirin mono-therapy prior to adding pegIFN-α, or (iii) standard-of-care (SOC) ribavirin dosing concurrent with pegIFN-α. Four weeks of ribavirin mono-therapy resulted in a mean 0.46 log10 IU/mL HCV RNA reduction differentially regulated across IL28B genotypes (0.89 vs. 0.21 log10 IU/mL for CC and CT/TT respectively; P = 0.006), increased likelihood of undetectable HCV RNA week 4 after initiating pegIFN-α and thus shortened treatment duration (P<0.05), and decreased median IP-10 concentration from 550 to 345 pg/mL (P<0.001). Both experimental strategies impacted on ribavirin concentrations, and high levels were achieved after one week of double dosing. However, by day 14, double dosing entailed a greater hemoglobin decline as compared to SOC (2.2 vs. 1.4 g/dL; P = 0.03). Conclusion: Ribavirin down-regulates IP-10, and may have an anti-viral effect differently regulated across IL28B genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Waldenström
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Westin
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Nyström
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peer Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karin Lindahl
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Norkrans
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Krarup
- Section of Molecular Diagnostics, Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hans Norrgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mads Rauning Buhl
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stephan Stenmark
- Department of Communicable Disease Control Västerbotten, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Brosh-Nissimov T. Lassa fever: another threat from West Africa. DISASTER AND MILITARY MEDICINE 2016; 2:8. [PMID: 28265442 PMCID: PMC5330145 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-016-0018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever, a zoonotic viral infection, is endemic in West Africa. The disease causes annual wide spread morbidity and mortality in Africa, and can be imported by travelers. Possible importation of Lassa fever and the potential for the use of Lassa virus as an agent of bioterrorism mandate clinicians in Israel and other countries to be vigilant and familiar with the basic characteristics of this disease. The article reviews the basis of this infection and the clinical management of patients with Lassa fever. Special emphasis is given to antiviral treatment and infection control.
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Garraud O, Heshmati F, Pozzetto B, Lefrere F, Girot R, Saillol A, Laperche S. Plasma therapy against infectious pathogens, as of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Transfus Clin Biol 2016; 23:39-44. [PMID: 26775794 PMCID: PMC7110444 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Plasma therapy consists in bringing to a patient in need – in general suffering a severe, resistant to current therapy, and even lethal infection – plasma or specific, fractioned, antibodies, along with other immunoglobulins and possibly healing factors that can be obtained from immunized blood donors; donors (voluntary and benevolent) can be either actively immunized individuals or convalescent persons. Plasma therapy has been used since the Spanish flu in 1917–1918, and regularly then when viral epidemics threatened vulnerable populations, the last reported occurrence being the 2013–2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. The precise action mechanism of plasma therapy is not fully delineated as it may function beyond purified, neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Garraud
- Faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, université de Lyon, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - F Heshmati
- Hôpital Cochin, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - B Pozzetto
- Faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, université de Lyon, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; Laboratoire des agents infectieux et d'hygiène, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 42055 Saint-Étienne, France
| | - F Lefrere
- Groupe Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - R Girot
- Hôpital Tenon, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75020 Paris, France; Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie-Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
| | - A Saillol
- Centre de transfusion sanguine des armées, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - S Laperche
- Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 75015 Paris, France
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Smith DR, Holbrook MR, Gowen BB. Animal models of viral hemorrhagic fever. Antiviral Res 2014; 112:59-79. [PMID: 25448088 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The term "viral hemorrhagic fever" (VHF) designates a syndrome of acute febrile illness, increased vascular permeability and coagulation defects which often progresses to bleeding and shock and may be fatal in a significant percentage of cases. The causative agents are some 20 different RNA viruses in the families Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae and Flaviviridae, which are maintained in a variety of animal species and are transferred to humans through direct or indirect contact or by an arthropod vector. Except for dengue, which is transmitted among humans by mosquitoes, the geographic distribution of each type of VHF is determined by the range of its animal reservoir. Treatments are available for Argentine HF and Lassa fever, but no approved countermeasures have been developed against other types of VHF. The development of effective interventions is hindered by the sporadic nature of most infections and their occurrence in geographic regions with limited medical resources. Laboratory animal models that faithfully reproduce human disease are therefore essential for the evaluation of potential vaccines and therapeutics. The goal of this review is to highlight the current status of animal models that can be used to study the pathogenesis of VHF and test new countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darci R Smith
- Southern Research Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, United States.
| | - Michael R Holbrook
- Integrated Research Facility, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Brian B Gowen
- Institute for Antiviral Research and Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, United States
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Lõhmus M, Janse I, van de Goot F, van Rotterdam BJ. Rodents as potential couriers for bioterrorism agents. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S247-57. [PMID: 23971813 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogens that can cause major public health, economic, and social damage are relatively easily accessible and could be used as biological weapons. Wildlife is a natural reservoir for many potential bioterrorism agents, and, as history has shown, eliminating a pathogen that has dispersed among wild fauna can be extremely challenging. Since a number of wild rodent species live close to humans, rodents constitute a vector for pathogens to circulate among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This article reviews the possible consequences of a deliberate spread of rodentborne pathogens. It is relatively easy to infect wild rodents with certain pathogens or to release infected rodents, and the action would be difficult to trace. Rodents can also function as reservoirs for diseases that have been spread during a bioterrorism attack and cause recurring disease outbreaks. As rats and mice are common in both urban and rural settlements, deliberately released rodentborne infections have the capacity to spread very rapidly. The majority of pathogens that are listed as potential agents of bioterrorism by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases exploit rodents as vectors or reservoirs. In addition to zoonotic diseases, deliberately released rodentborne epizootics can have serious economic consequences for society, for example, in the area of international trade restrictions. The ability to rapidly detect introduced diseases and effectively communicate with the public in crisis situations enables a quick response and is essential for successful and cost-effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mare Lõhmus
- Mare Lõhmus, PhD is Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala, Sweden. Ingmar Janse, PhD, is Senior Scientist, and Bart J. van Rotterdam, PhD, is a Microbiologist, both in the Department of Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) , Section I & V, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. Frank van de Goot, PhD, is Senior Forensic Pathologist, Symbiant (pathology expert centre), Alkmaar, the Netherlands
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Abstract
UNLABELLED There are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines or therapeutics to prevent or treat Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). The causative agent of AHF is Junin virus (JUNV); a New World arenavirus classified as a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention category A priority pathogen. The PTAP late (L) domain motif within JUNV Z protein facilitates virion egress and transmission by recruiting host Tsg101 and other ESCRT complex proteins to promote scission of the virus particle from the plasma membrane. Here, we describe a novel compound (compound 0013) that blocks the JUNV Z-Tsg101 interaction and inhibits budding of virus-like particles (VLPs) driven by ectopic expression of the Z protein and live-attenuated JUNV Candid-1 strain in cell culture. Since inhibition of the PTAP-Tsg101 interaction inhibits JUNV egress, compound 0013 serves as a prototype therapeutic that could reduce virus dissemination and disease progression in infected individuals. Moreover, since PTAP l-domain-mediated Tsg101 recruitment is utilized by other RNA virus pathogens (e.g., Ebola virus and HIV-1), PTAP inhibitors such as compound 0013 have the potential to function as potent broad-spectrum, host-oriented antiviral drugs. IMPORTANCE There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics to prevent or treat Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). The causative agent of AHF is Junin virus (JUNV); a New World arenavirus classified as an NIAID/CDC category A priority pathogen. Here, we describe a prototype therapeutic that blocks budding of JUNV and has the potential to function as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug.
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Gowen BB, Jung KH, Sefing EJ, Wong MH, Westover JB, Smee DF. Activity of a phenolic dibenzylsulfide against New World arenavirus infections. Antivir Chem Chemother 2014; 23:151-9. [PMID: 23337126 DOI: 10.3851/imp2532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Junín virus (JUNV) and several other clade B New World arenaviruses cause human disease ranging from mild febrile illness to severe viral haemorrhagic fever. These viruses pose a significant threat to national security and safe and effective therapies are limited except in Argentina, where immune plasma is the standard of care for treating JUNV infection in cases of Argentine haemorrhagic fever. METHODS An in vitro screen of the Chemtura library identified several compounds with activity against Tacaribe virus (TCRV), a clade B arenavirus closely related to JUNV. Of these compounds, D746, a phenolic dibenzylsulfide, was further pursued for additional in vitro studies and evaluated in the AG129 mouse TCRV infection model. RESULTS D746 was found to act during an early to intermediate stage of the TCRV replication cycle and μM range activity was confirmed by virus yield reduction assays with both TCRV and JUNV. Although intraperitoneal twice daily treatment regimens were found to be highly effective when started 2 h prior to TCRV challenge in AG129 mice, post-exposure treatment initiated 3 days after infection was not efficacious. Interestingly, despite the pre-exposure treatment success, D746 did not reduce serum or tissue virus titres during the acute infection. Moreover, D746 elicited ascites fluid accumulation in mice during, as well as independent of, infection. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that D746 may be altering the host response to TCRV infection in AG129 mice in a way that limits pathogenesis and thereby protects mice from otherwise lethal infection in the absence of measurable reductions in viral burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian B Gowen
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
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Gowen BB, Juelich TL, Sefing EJ, Brasel T, Smith JK, Zhang L, Tigabu B, Hill TE, Yun T, Pietzsch C, Furuta Y, Freiberg AN. Favipiravir (T-705) inhibits Junín virus infection and reduces mortality in a guinea pig model of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2614. [PMID: 24386500 PMCID: PMC3873268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Junín virus (JUNV), the etiologic agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), is classified by the NIAID and CDC as a Category A priority pathogen. Presently, antiviral therapy for AHF is limited to immune plasma, which is readily available only in the endemic regions of Argentina. T-705 (favipiravir) is a broadly active small molecule RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor presently in clinical evaluation for the treatment of influenza. We have previously reported on the in vitro activity of favipiravir against several strains of JUNV and other pathogenic New World arenaviruses. Methodology/Principal Findings To evaluate the efficacy of favipiravir in vivo, guinea pigs were challenged with the pathogenic Romero strain of JUNV, and then treated twice daily for two weeks with oral or intraperitoneal (i.p.) favipiravir (300 mg/kg/day) starting 1–2 days post-infection. Although only 20% of animals treated orally with favipiravir survived the lethal challenge dose, those that succumbed survived considerably longer than guinea pigs treated with placebo. Consistent with pharmacokinetic analysis that showed greater plasma levels of favipiravir in animals dosed by i.p. injection, i.p. treatment resulted in a substantially higher level of protection (78% survival). Survival in guinea pigs treated with ribavirin was in the range of 33–40%. Favipiravir treatment resulted in undetectable levels of serum and tissue viral titers and prevented the prominent thrombocytopenia and leucopenia observed in placebo-treated animals during the acute phase of infection. Conclusions/Significance The remarkable protection afforded by i.p. favipiravir intervention beginning 2 days after challenge is the highest ever reported for a small molecule antiviral in the difficult to treat guinea pig JUNV challenge model. These findings support the continued development of favipiravir as a promising antiviral against JUNV and other related arenaviruses. Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) is a severe and often-fatal disease caused by infection with Junín virus (JUNV). Presently, there is an unmet need to develop new therapeutics to address current medical, public health and national security concerns, as JUNV is considered a potential bioterror agent amenable to aerosolization and intentional release. In the present study, favirpiravir, a promising anti-JUNV drug in clinical development for the treatment of influenza, was evaluated in an experimental small animal model of AHF. Guinea pigs challenged with JUNV were treated with favipiravir twice daily for two weeks starting 1–2 days after infection. Consistent with pharmacokinetic analysis that showed greater plasma levels of favipiravir in animals dosed by intraperitoneal injection, administration by this route resulted in a dramatic protective effect as 78% animals survived the infection compared to 11% in the placebo-treated group. Favipiravir treatment inhibited JUNV replication and prevented the development of disease observed in animals receiving placebo during the acute stage of infection. The high level efficacy observed following post-exposure prophylaxis with favipiravir is the highest ever reported for a small molecule antiviral in the guinea pig JUNV challenge model and thus supports its continued development as a promising antiviral therapy for the treatment of AHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian B. Gowen
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Terry L. Juelich
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eric J. Sefing
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Trevor Brasel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Smith
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bersabeh Tigabu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Terence E. Hill
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tatyana Yun
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Colette Pietzsch
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yousuke Furuta
- Research Laboratories, Toyama Chemical Company, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
| | - Alexander N. Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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Barradas JS, Errea MI, Sepúlveda C, Damonte EB, D'Accorso NB. Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazoles Linked to a Carbohydrate Moiety. J Heterocycl Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Sebastián Barradas
- CIHIDECAR-CONICET, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria 1428 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - María Inés Errea
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires; Av. Eduardo Madero 399 1106 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Claudia Sepúlveda
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET-Laboratorio de Virología- Departamento de Química biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria 1428 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Elsa Beatriz Damonte
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET-Laboratorio de Virología- Departamento de Química biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria 1428 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Norma Beatriz D'Accorso
- CIHIDECAR-CONICET, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria 1428 Buenos Aires Argentina
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Sefing EJ, Wong MH, Larson DP, Hurst BL, Van Wettere AJ, Schneller SW, Gowen BB. Vascular leak ensues a vigorous proinflammatory cytokine response to Tacaribe arenavirus infection in AG129 mice. Virol J 2013; 10:221. [PMID: 23816343 PMCID: PMC3707785 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tacaribe virus (TCRV) is a less biohazardous relative of the highly pathogenic clade B New World arenaviruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fever syndromes and require handling in maximum containment facilities not readily available to most researchers. AG129 type I and II interferon receptor knockout mice have been shown to be susceptible to TCRV infection, but the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the lethal disease are unclear. Methods To gain insights into the pathogenesis of TCRV infection in AG129 mice, we assessed hematologic and cytokine responses during the course of infection, as well as changes in the permeability of the vascular endothelium. We also treated TCRV-challenged mice with MY-24, a compound that prevents mortality without affecting viral loads during the acute infection, and measured serum and tissue viral titers out to 40 days post-infection to determine whether the virus is ultimately cleared in recovering mice. Results We found that the development of viremia and splenomegaly precedes an elevation in white blood cells and the detection of high levels of proinflammatory mediators known to destabilize the endothelial barrier, which likely contributes to the increased vascular permeability and weight loss that was observed several days prior to when the mice generally succumb to TCRV challenge. In surviving mice treated with MY-24, viremia and liver virus titers were not cleared until 2–3 weeks post-infection, after which the mice began to recover lost weight. Remarkably, substantial viral loads were still present in the lung, spleen, brain and kidney tissues at the conclusion of the study. Conclusions Our findings suggest that vascular leak may be a contributing factor in the demise of TCRV-infected mice, as histopathologic findings are generally mild to moderate in nature, and as evidenced with MY-24 treatment, animals can survive in the face of high viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Sefing
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
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Debing Y, Jochmans D, Neyts J. Intervention strategies for emerging viruses: use of antivirals. Curr Opin Virol 2013; 3:217-24. [PMID: 23562753 PMCID: PMC7102692 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Today, small molecule antiviral drugs are available for the treatment of infections with herpesviruses, HIV, HBV and HCV as well as with influenza viruses. Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum (but aspecific) antiviral, has been approved for the treatment of infections with respiratory syncytial virus, HCV and Lassa virus. Yet, for many other viruses that cause life-threatening infections [most of which are considered emerging and/or neglected] there are no drugs available. Ideally, potent and broad-spectrum (i.e., pan-genus or pan-family virus activity) antiviral drugs should be developed whereby one drug could be used for the treatment of a number of such viral infections. We here review recent evolutions in the search for inhibitors of emerging and neglected RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Debing
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Barradas JS, Errea MI, D’Accorso NB. Synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles linked to an unprotected carbohydrate moiety. Carbohydr Res 2012; 355:79-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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