Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anita Toscani, Rossana Denaro, Sergio Fernando Castillo Pacheco, Matteo Biolatti, Silvia Anselmi, Valentina Dell'Oste, Daniele Castagnolo
Summary: A series of amidinourea compounds have been synthesized as potential non-nucleoside anti-HSV agents, showing micromolar activity against HSV-1 with low cytotoxicity. These compounds act in an early stage of the HSV replication cycle, just after viral attachment and entry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Louzinho Lopes, Vinicius Seiki Takemura Quinteiro, Jessica Wouk, Maria Laura Darido, Robert F. H. Dekker, Aneli M. Barbosa-Dekker, Vaclav Vetvicka, Mario A. A. Cunha, Ligia Carla Faccin-Galhardi, Alexandre Orsato
Summary: By introducing carboxyl and sulfonate groups into β-D-glucan, researchers attempted to improve its antiviral activity against enveloped viruses. The results showed that sulfonated-carboxymethylated derivatives could inhibit herpes virus, while their inhibition of dengue virus was weaker, indicating varying resistance of different viruses to anionic β-D-glucans. Comparing with a previous study, the presence of carboxymethyl groups might have a negative impact on antiviral activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Catielen Paula Pavi, Isabella Dai Pra, Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro, Isamu Kanzaki, Jhuly Wellen Ferreira Lacerda, Louis Pergaud Sandjo, Roberto Messias Bezerra, Jorge Federico Orellana Segovia, Gislaine Fongaro, Izabella Thais Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of seventeen extracts derived from eight Amazonian medicinal plants against herpes simplex virus and chikungunya virus. Four extracts exhibited significant activity against both viruses, including the drug-resistant strains. Virucidal tests showed a higher level of virucidal activity compared to antiviral activity.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hanna H. Schalkwijk, Robert Snoeck, Graciela Andrei
Summary: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can cause significant morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, and the nucleoside analogue acyclovir has greatly improved the management of HSV infections. However, acyclovir resistant strains have been reported, especially in immunocompromised patients. This review discusses the prevalence of acyclovir resistance in HSV infections and alternative antiviral treatments.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yiwei Huang, Yuyun Song, Jichen Li, Changning Lv, Zhe-Sheng Chen, Zhijun Liu
Summary: Human herpes simplex viruses use cell surface receptors such as heparan sulfate, herpesvirus entry mediator, and nectin-1/-2, 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate to enter host cells. No vaccine or curative treatment is currently available for HSV infections.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Brent A. Stanfield, Konstantin G. Kousoulas, Agustin Fernandez, Edward Gershburg
Summary: Diseases caused by human herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 affect millions worldwide, but there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines. The development of novel live-attenuated vaccines aims to prevent or reduce the impact of herpes simplex infections, building on the success of past live-attenuated vaccines in combating viral diseases. These vaccines are designed to generate robust and protective immune responses based on our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of herpesviral infections.
Article
Ophthalmology
Eleanor N. Nche, Ayala Katzir, Avraham Solomon, Dana Wolf, Amos Panet, Itay Lavy
Summary: The occurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA in transplanted corneas was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the relationship between latent HSV and VZV and herpetic eye disease in recipients was determined. Samples from 88 donor corneoscleral buttons (CSBs) were tested, and HSV-1 DNA was detected in 5 (5.7%) of the samples. HSV-2 was not found, and VZV was detected in 1 (1.2%) of the samples. Recipients of HSV-positive corneal grafts could be at risk for herpetic eye disease.
Review
Virology
Lukas van de Sand, Maren Bormann, Yasmin Schmitz, Christiane Silke Heilingloh, Oliver Witzke, Adalbert Krawczyk
Summary: Herpes simplex viruses are widely distributed with high seroprevalence in the adult population. Refractory viral infections with HSV-1 and HSV-2 present a major global health issue, especially with the increasing resistance to conventional antiviral drugs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Romana Vrzonova, Alzbeta Cizova, Lucia Rackova, Jana Mecarova, Sandra Bielikova, Slavomir Bystricky
Summary: The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has increased the demand for new biocompatible and biodegradable antibacterial compounds. Cationic polysaccharides, such as derivatives of commercial dextrans, show promising antimicrobial properties. The study found that derivatives with higher degree of substitution and varying molar masses had better antimicrobial efficiency. However, as the molar mass increased, the biocompatibility of the cationic dextran decreased, showing hemagglutination and toxicity to human cells. The derivatives of 76 kDa dextran with higher degree of substitution were identified as the best antimicrobial agents for further clinical testing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yurong Li, Shaocong Wang, Zhen Xing, Yiming Niu, Zhencheng Liao, Yang Lu, Junni Qiu, Junfeng Zhang, Chunming Wang, Lei Dong
Summary: Eliminating biofilms from infected tissue is a challenging task in treating chronic wounds. The study found that cationic polymers can disrupt biofilms and enhance bacterial antibiotic sensitivity. In a mouse wound healing model, cationic polymers effectively controlled infection and accelerated the healing process.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maryam Zangi, Katherine A. Donald, Andreu Gazquez Casals, Abaigeal D. Franson, Alice J. Yu, Elise M. Marker, Molly E. Woodson, Scott D. Campbell, M. Abdul Mottaleb, Tanguturi Venkata Narayana Hajay Kumar, Makala Shakar Reddy, Lingala Vijaya Raghava Reddy, Subir Kumar Sadhukhan, David W. Griggs, Lynda A. Morrison, Marvin J. Meyers
Summary: The derivative compounds of ciclopirox olamine effectively inhibit replication of HSV-2 with low cytotoxicity, indicating their strong therapeutic potential. Structural comparison confirms the importance of hydrophobic groups in the efficacy of ciclopirox and its derivatives.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Peter Bond
Summary: Pathogen burden is higher in Hispanic whites and black populations, as well as the poor and those without higher education, in the USA. The most frequent pathogen measured is Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which can weaken the immune system and damage the blood brain barrier. Prophylactic treatment targeting HSV-1 could be crucial in fighting against COVID-19.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joseph Katz, Sijia Yue, Wei Xue
Summary: Herpes simplex-1 and varicella zoster viruses are strongly associated with COVID-19 infection, potentially leading to detrimental outcomes.
IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhaoqi Wang, Han Yan, Fujie He, Jie Wang, Yang Zhang, Lishan Sun, Cui Hao, Wei Wang
Summary: The natural compound wedelolactone (WDL) exhibits strong inhibitory effects against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro and in vivo, with mechanisms distinct from acyclovir and involving interference with host genes and signaling pathways. WDL treatment improves survival, attenuates inflammatory symptoms, and reduces viral titres in infected mice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael Duggan, Zhongsheng Peng, Yang H. An, Melissa H. Kitner T. Triolo, Andrea Shafer, Christos Davatzikos, Guray Erus, Ajoy Karikkineth, Alexandria Lewis, Abhay A. Moghekar, Keenan Walker
Summary: The study found an association between sHHV infection with white matter volume loss, attentional decline, and astrogliosis. While sHHV was linked to several neurocognitive features, the results did not support an association between sHHV and AD-specific disease processes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lukasz Rabalski, Maciej Kosinski, Natalia Mazur-Panasiuk, Boguslaw Szewczyk, Krystyna Bienkowska-Szewczyk, Ravi Kant, Tarja Sironen, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maciej Grzybek
Summary: This study analyzed the possible zoonotic spill-over of SARS-CoV-2 and reported the transmission of mink-adapted SARS-CoV-2 from farmed mink to humans for at least 3 months.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magdalena Wytrwal-Sarna, Paulina Knobloch, Slawomir Lasota, Marta Michalik, Maria Nowakowska, Mariusz Kepczynski
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between polycation nanostructures and cell membranes and their impact on cytotoxicity. The results show that polycations with short alkyl groups have the highest cytotoxicity and the ability to form pores in biomembranes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pawel Botwina, Magdalena Obloza, Maria Zatorska-Plachta, Kamil Kaminski, Masanobu Mizusaki, Shin-Ichi Yusa, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maria Nowakowska
Summary: A series of polymers were synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral activity against Zika virus. The results showed that copolymers were more efficient antivirals compared to homopolymers, possibly due to their self-organization into nanoparticles that prevented virus attachment to host cells. Therefore, these copolymers could be promising agents against Zika virus infections.
Article
Spectroscopy
Arkadiusz Gut, Justyna Ciejka, Jakub Makuszewski, Izabela Majewska, Mateusz Brela, Lukasz Lapok
Summary: In this study, the synthesis and properties of four unsymmetrical aza-BODIPYs with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence were reported. These molecules exhibited highly desirable photophysical and photochemical properties due to the presence of both strongly electron-withdrawing p-nitrophenyl rings and mildly electron-donating p-methoxyphenyl rings within the aza-BODIPY core. The unsymmetrical aza-BODIPYs showed NIR emission with wavelengths ranging from 699 nm to 718 nm, along with fluorescence quantum yields ranging from 0.22 to 0.49 and fluorescence lifetimes ranging from 1.90 ns to 3.59 ns. A specific aza-BODIPY with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents at the 3 and 5 positions, respectively, was identified as a cell-permeable, NIR emitting fluorophore suitable for bioimaging.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Elzbieta Lachert, Joanna Lasocka, Artur Bielawski, Ewa Sulkowska, Katarzyna Guz, Krzysztof Pyrc, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Agata Wawryniuk-Malmon, Magdalena Letowska, Krzysztof Tomasiewicz, Piotr Grabarczyk
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the intermediates and final product of hIHGG anti-SARS-CoV-2 production and determine its stability. The results showed that the hIHGG anti-SARS-CoV-2 was stable, with a significant increase in neutralizing antibody concentration compared to the source plasma pool.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Magdalena Pachota, Renata Grzywa, Jakub Iwanejko, Aleksandra Synowiec, Dominika Iwan, Karolina Kaminska, Marcin Skorenski, Ewa Bielecka, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Maria Nowakowska, Cameron D. Mackereth, Elzbieta Wojaczynska, Marcin Siencyk, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen causing infections of varying severity. This study discovered novel compounds that inhibit the activity of HSV-1 VP24 protease, effectively suppressing the infection in vitro and in vivo, including ACV-resistant strains. These inhibitors also prevent the nucleus egress of viral capsids and cell-to-cell spread. Due to their low toxicity and high antiviral potency, these VP24 inhibitors may serve as alternative therapeutics for ACV-resistant infections or be used in combination therapies.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pawel Botwina, Magdalena Obloza, Piotr Bonarek, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maria Nowakowska
Summary: A series of PEG-b-PSSNa copolymers were synthesized and tested for their antiviral activity against ZIKV. The copolymers effectively inhibited ZIKV replication in mammalian cells at nontoxic concentrations. Mechanistic analysis showed that the copolymers interacted with viral particles in a zipper-like manner, hindering their interaction with cells. The antiviral activity was dependent on the length of the PSSNa block, indicating the biological activity of the ionic blocks.
Article
Virology
Aleksandra Synowiec, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Magdalena Pachota, Meriem Baouche, Katarzyna Owczarek, Wojciech Nizanski, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is a common virus in cats, causing respiratory diseases and ocular lesions. The available vaccine is not able to prevent infection or limit virus shedding. This study examined the entry mechanisms of FHV-1 into host cells and found that it enters via endocytosis.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Laurensius Kevin Lie, Aleksandra Synowiec, Jedrzej Mazur, Lukasz Rabalski, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: The lack of suitable in vitro culture model has hindered research on wild-type human coronaviruses. In this study, a stable A549 cell line was developed that is permissive to HCoV-229E virus, providing a platform for further studies on HCoV-229E infectiology.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Agnieszka Dabrowska, Pawel Botwina, Emilia Barreto-Duran, Agata Kubisiak, Magdalena Obloza, Aleksandra Synowiec, Artur Szczepanski, Marta Targosz-Korecka, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Maria Nowakowska, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: This study proposes a method of using polymers to combat broad-spectrum viral infections. By modulating the nano-mechanical properties of cells, these polymers can interfere with viral replication and reduce infection. The effectiveness of this method was validated through experimental results, and it was found that the process is reversible.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Napolitano, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Kenji Schorpp, Andre Mourao, Emilia Barreto-Duran, Malgorzata Benedyk, Pawel Botwina, Stefanie Brandner, Mark Bostock, Yuliya Chykunova, Anna Czarna, Grzegorz Dubin, Tony Froehlich, Michael Hoelscher, Malwina Jedrysik, Alex Matsuda, Katarzyna Owczarek, Magdalena Pachota, Oliver Plettenburg, Jan Potempa, Ina Rothenaigner, Florian Schlauderer, Klaudia Slysz, Artur Szczepanski, Kristin Greve-Isdahl Mohn, Bjorn Blomberg, Michael Sattler, Kamyar Hadian, Grzegorz Maria Popowicz, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: Acriflavine has been identified as a potent inhibitor of viral replication in SARS-CoV-2 and other betacoronaviruses, with potential for immediate use in clinical trials and future outbreaks.
CELL CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
