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Frontiers in Immunology 2022Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus with a complex life cycle. It is the causative agent of acute and chronic hepatitis. HBV can resist immune... (Review)
Review
Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus with a complex life cycle. It is the causative agent of acute and chronic hepatitis. HBV can resist immune system responses and often causes persistent chronic infections. HBV is the leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines with antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antitumor properties. IFNs are glycoproteins with a strong antiviral activity that plays an important role in adaptive and innate immune responses. They are classified into three categories (type I, II, and III) based on the structure of their cell-surface receptors. As an effective drug for controlling chronic viral infections, Type I IFNs are approved to be clinically used for the treatment of HBV infection. The therapeutic effect of interferon will be enhanced when combined with other drugs. IFNs play a biological function by inducing the expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the host cells, which are responsible for the inhibiting of HBV replication, transcription, and other important processes. Animal models of HBV, such as chimpanzees, are also important tools for studying IFN treatment and ISG regulation. In the present review, we summarized the recent progress in IFN-HBV treatment and focused on its mechanism through the interaction between HBV and ISGs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hepatitis B virus; Antiviral Agents; Immunity, Innate; Interferon Type I; Cytokines
PubMed: 36531993
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034968 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jan 2023Mpox virus is an emergent human pathogen. While it is less lethal than smallpox, it can still cause significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we explore 3... (Review)
Review
Mpox virus is an emergent human pathogen. While it is less lethal than smallpox, it can still cause significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we explore 3 antiviral agents with activity against mpox and other orthopoxviruses: cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat. Cidofovir, and its prodrug brincidofovir, are inhibitors of DNA replication with a broad spectrum of activity against multiple families of double-stranded DNA viruses. Tecovirimat has more specific activity against orthopoxviruses and inhibits the formation of the extracellular enveloped virus necessary for cell-to-cell transmission. For each agent, we review basic pharmacology, data from animal models, and reported experience in human patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Antiviral Agents; Cidofovir; Cytosine; Organophosphonates; Mpox (monkeypox); Monkeypox virus
PubMed: 35904001
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac622 -
Viruses Oct 2020Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid compound found in turmeric spice, has shown broad activity as an antimicrobial agent, limiting the replication of many different fungi,... (Review)
Review
Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid compound found in turmeric spice, has shown broad activity as an antimicrobial agent, limiting the replication of many different fungi, bacteria and viruses. In this review, we summarize recent studies supporting the development of curcumin and its derivatives as broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Curcuma; Curcumin; DNA Viruses; Humans; Mice; RNA Viruses; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 33142686
DOI: 10.3390/v12111242 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2022An antiviral agent is urgently needed based on the high probability of the emergence and re-emergence of future viral disease, highlighted by the recent global COVID-19... (Review)
Review
An antiviral agent is urgently needed based on the high probability of the emergence and re-emergence of future viral disease, highlighted by the recent global COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence may be seen in the discovery of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and recently discovered Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. The need for strategies besides testing and isolation, social distancing, and vaccine development is clear. One of the strategies includes searching for an antiviral agent that provides effective results without toxicity, which is well-presented by significant results for carrageenan nasal spray in providing efficacy against human coronavirus-infected patients. As the primary producer of sulfated polysaccharides, marine plants, including macro- and microalgae, offer versatility in culture, production, and post-isolation development in obtaining the needed antiviral agent. Therefore, this review will describe an attempt to highlight the search for practical and safe antiviral agents from algal-based sulfated polysaccharides and to unveil their features for future development.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Humans; Microalgae; Pandemics; Polysaccharides; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35208968
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041178 -
Viruses Nov 2022Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats that currently lacks licensed and affordable vaccines or antiviral therapeutics. The disease has a...
An Optimized Bioassay for Screening Combined Anticoronaviral Compounds for Efficacy against Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus with Pharmacokinetic Analyses of GS-441524, Remdesivir, and Molnupiravir in Cats.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats that currently lacks licensed and affordable vaccines or antiviral therapeutics. The disease has a spectrum of clinical presentations including an effusive ("wet") form and non-effusive ("dry") form, both of which may be complicated by neurologic or ocular involvement. The feline coronavirus (FCoV) biotype, termed feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), is the etiologic agent of FIP. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the in vitro antiviral efficacies of the viral protease inhibitors GC376 and nirmatrelvir and the nucleoside analogs remdesivir (RDV), GS-441524, molnupiravir (MPV; EIDD-2801), and β-D-N-hydroxycytidine (NHC; EIDD-1931). These antiviral agents were functionally evaluated using an optimized in vitro bioassay system. Antivirals were assessed as monotherapies against FIPV serotypes I and II and as combined anticoronaviral therapies (CACT) against FIPV serotype II, which provided evidence for synergy for selected combinations. We also determined the pharmacokinetic properties of MPV, GS-441524, and RDV after oral administration to cats in vivo as well as after intravenous administration of RDV. We established that orally administered MPV at 10 mg/kg, GS-441524 and RDV at 25 mg/kg, and intravenously administered RDV at 7 mg/kg achieves plasma levels greater than the established corresponding EC values, which are sustained over 24 h for GS-441514 and RDV.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Coronavirus, Feline; Feline Infectious Peritonitis; Antiviral Agents; Biological Assay
PubMed: 36366527
DOI: 10.3390/v14112429 -
Viruses Jun 2022Mosquito-borne flavivirus infections affect approximately 400 million people worldwide each year and are global threats to public health. The common diseases caused by... (Review)
Review
Mosquito-borne flavivirus infections affect approximately 400 million people worldwide each year and are global threats to public health. The common diseases caused by such flaviviruses include West Nile, yellow fever, dengue, Zika infection and Japanese encephalitis, which may result in severe symptoms and disorders of multiple organs or even fatal outcomes. Till now, no specific antiviral agents are commercially available for the treatment of the diseases. Numerous strategies have been adopted to develop novel and promising inhibitors against mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including drugs targeting the critical viral components or essential host factors during infection. Research advances in antiflaviviral therapy might optimize and widen the treatment options for flavivirus infection. This review summarizes the current developmental progresses and involved molecular mechanisms of antiviral agents against mosquito-borne flaviviruses.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Culicidae; Flavivirus; Flavivirus Infections; Humans; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 35746697
DOI: 10.3390/v14061226 -
Medicinal Research Reviews Mar 2022Propolis is a complex natural product that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties mainly attributed to the... (Review)
Review
Propolis is a complex natural product that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties mainly attributed to the high content in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The chemical composition of propolis is multifarious, as it depends on the botanical sources from which honeybees collect resins and exudates. Nevertheless, despite this variability propolis may have a general pharmacological value, and this review systematically compiles, for the first time, the existing preclinical and clinical evidence of propolis activities as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, focusing on the possible application in respiratory diseases. In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated propolis broad-spectrum effects on viral infectivity and replication, as well as the modulatory actions on cytokine production and immune cell activation as part of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trials confirmed propolis undeniable potential as an effective therapeutic agent; however, the lack of rigorous randomized clinical trials in the context of respiratory diseases is tangible. Since propolis is available as a dietary supplement, possible use for the prevention of respiratory diseases and their deleterious inflammatory drawbacks on the respiratory tract in humans is considered and discussed. This review opens up new perspectives on the clinical investigation of neglected propolis biological properties which, now more than ever, are particularly relevant with respect to the recent outbreaks of pandemic respiratory infections.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Bees; Humans; Immunity; Immunomodulation; Propolis
PubMed: 34725836
DOI: 10.1002/med.21866 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Jul 2022Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel human coronavirus and the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). There is an... (Review)
Review
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel human coronavirus and the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). There is an urgent need for effective antivirals to treat current Covid-19 cases and protect those unable to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Marine molluscs live in an environment containing high virus densities (>10 virus particles per ml), and there are an estimated 100,000 species in the phylum Mollusca, demonstrating the success of their innate immune system. Mollusc-derived antivirals are yet to be used clinically despite the activity of many extracts, including against human viruses, being demonstrated in vitro. Hemolymph of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) has in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus and human adenovirus, while antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2 has been proposed by in silico studies. Such evidence suggests that molluscs, and in particular C. gigas hemolymph, may represent a source of antivirals for human coronaviruses.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34726308
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2310 -
ACS Infectious Diseases May 2020The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights an urgent need for therapeutics. Through a series of drug repurposing screening campaigns,... (Review)
Review
The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights an urgent need for therapeutics. Through a series of drug repurposing screening campaigns, niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelminthic drug, was found to be effective against various viral infections with nanomolar to micromolar potency such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, ZIKV, HCV, and human adenovirus, indicating its potential as an antiviral agent. In this brief review, we summarize the broad antiviral activity of niclosamide and highlight its potential clinical use in the treatment of COVID-19.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Drug Repositioning; Humans; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; Niclosamide; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 32125140
DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00052 -
Biomedical Journal Oct 2020Human coronaviruses (HCoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe... (Review)
Review
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have been resulting in global epidemics with heavy morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, there are currently no specific medicines that can better treat these coronaviruses. Drug repurposing is an effective and economical strategy for drug discovery from existing drugs, natural products, and synthetic compounds. In this review, the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of valinomycin (VAL), especially its activity against coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), were summarized, it highlights that VAL has tremendous potential for use as a novel antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Humans; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; Valinomycin; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33012699
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.08.006