Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Erica Espano, Jeong-Ki Kim
Summary: Inhibition of ZIKV production using lipophilic statins has been explored. Combinations of certain statins have shown synergistic effects against ZIKV infection, which could potentially enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of combining lipophilic statins for treating ZIKV infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melina Mottin, Lindsay K. Caesar, David Brodsky, Nathalya C. M. R. Mesquita, Ketllyn Zagato de Oliveira, Gabriela Dias Noske, Bruna K. P. Sousa, Paulo R. P. S. Ramos, Hannah Jarmer, Bonnie Loh, Kimberley M. Zorn, Daniel H. Foil, Pedro M. Torres, Rafael V. C. Guido, Glaucius Oliva, Frank Scholle, Sean Ekins, Nadja B. Cech, Carolina H. Andrade, Scott M. Laster
Summary: This study discovered that three chalcone compounds derived from Angelica keiskei have the potential to inhibit the activity of the Zika virus. Among them, 4HD and XA-E showed promising anti-viral activity, indicating their potential as therapeutic candidates for Zika virus.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Amanda Stephanie Arantes Witt, Giliane de Souza Trindade, Fernanda Gil de Souza, Mateus Sa Magalhaes Serafim, Alana Vitor Barbosa da Costa, Marcos Vinicius Ferreira Silva, Felipe Campos de Melo Iani, Rodrigo Araujo Lima Rodrigues, Erna Geessien Kroon, Jonatas Santos Abrahao
Summary: In May 2022, the first worldwide outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV) was reported, showing different clinical aspects compared to previous human monkeypox infections. This study used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the ultrastructural features of MPXV infection in Vero cells. The results revealed various aspects of the MPXV cycle, including the entry of intracellular mature virus particles, reorganization of the endoplasmic reticulum, and distinct regions in the viral factory. The findings also showed viral crescents, different MPXV particle morphotypes, and cellular alterations induced by infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Renata Gois de Mello, Thaissa Consoni Bernardino, Luis Giovani Oliveira Guardalini, Renato Mancini Astray, Marta Maria Antoniazzi, Simone Goncalves Silva Jared, Eutimio Gustavo Fernandez Nunez, Soraia Attie Calil Jorge
Summary: A method for producing virus-like particles containing the structural proteins of the Zika virus in insect cells was successfully established in this study. The recombinant bacmids containing the gene sequences of Zika virus structural proteins were obtained through transformation and infection assays. The virus-like particles were confirmed to exist and showed potential for the development of a Zika virus vaccine candidate.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Gloria Stoyanova, Sidra Jabeen, Joselyn Landazuri Vinueza, Sounak Ghosh Roy, Richard A. Lockshin, Zahra Zakeri
Summary: This study found that pretreating MDCK cells with atorvastatin and other autophagy inhibitors can suppress ZIKV replication by reducing the number of LD and cholesterol levels. Additionally, bafilomycin A1 inhibits viral expression by blocking cholesterol esterification.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Laura Milena Monsalve-Escudero, Vanessa Loaiza-Cano, Yina Pajaro-Gonzalez, Andres Felipe Oliveros-Diaz, Fredyc Diaz-Castillo, Wiston Quinones, Sara Robledo, Marlen Martinez-Gutierrez
Summary: The study evaluated the antiviral effects of four indole alkaloids on Zika virus and Chikungunya virus infections in different cell lines. The results showed that these compounds have different antiviral activities under different experimental conditions.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aussara Panya, Pucharee Songprakhon, Suthida Panwong, Kanyaluck Jantakee, Thida Kaewkod, Yingmanee Tragoolpua, Nunghathai Sawasdee, Vannajan Sanghiran Lee, Piyarat Nimmanpipug, Pa-thai Yenchitsomanus
Summary: Cordycepin shows potential as an anti-dengue therapy by inhibiting Dengue virus replication, which was demonstrated in this study through decreased viral protein and RNA levels in infected cells.
Article
Virology
Hyun-Seok Oh, Jong Won Yoon, Sanghyun Lee, Soo-Ok Kim, Sun Pyo Hong
Summary: A new Vero cell-adapted Zika virus strain was established and a purified inactivated virus vaccine was developed, showing good vaccine efficacy with a strong immune response.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Halima Rhazi, Najete Safini, Karima Mikou, Meryeme Alhyane, Khalid Omari Tadlaoui, Xiangliang Lin, Nandini P. Venkatesan, Mehdi Elharrak
Summary: The study evaluated CelCradle(TM)-500A as an alternative to conventional culture systems for viral vaccine production. It found that Vero cells grown in the CelCradle(TM)-500A had significantly higher cell densities compared to cell factories, leading to increased virus production. The results suggest that CelCradle(TM)-500A may offer a more efficient and scalable solution for vaccine production.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nilima Dinesh Kumar, Bram M. ter Ellen, Ellen M. Bouma, Berit Troost, Denise P. van de Pol, Heidi H. van der Ende-Metselaar, Djoke van Gosliga, Leonie Apperloo, Orestes A. Carpaij, Maarten van den Berge, Martijn C. Nawijn, Ymkje Stienstra, Izabela A. Rodenhuis-Zybert, Jolanda M. Smit
Summary: Antiviral therapies, particularly for severe COVID-19, are urgently needed. Ivermectin has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in Vero cells, but its in vivo concentration may be too low. This study compares the antiviral activity of ivermectin and moxidectin in multiple in vitro models, finding that both drugs are effective in Vero E6 cells but fail to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in human-airway-derived cell models. These results caution against relying solely on Vero cell activity in assessing anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Elisenda Climent, David Benaiges, Juan Pedro-Botet
Summary: Statins can be classified as hydrophilic or lipophilic, with different solubility profiles potentially impacting cardiovascular outcomes and adverse effects. The superiority of one type of statin over another in terms of solubility remains uncertain, with conflicting results observed in previous studies on cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hongliang Zhang, Yingguang Li, Ruimei Yang, Ling Xiao, Shaoming Dong, Jiaxu Lin, Gang Liu, Hu Shan
Summary: In this study, it was found that erastin can significantly inhibit the replication of PEDV virus in cells, and it functions by regulating the gene expression of the ferroptosis pathway. This suggests that erastin may be a potential drug for the treatment of PEDV infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Xintan Yang, Shengkui Xu, Dengjin Chen, Ruijiao Jiang, Haoran Kang, Xinna Ge, Lei Zhou, Jun Han, Yongning Zhang, Xin Guo, Hanchun Yang
Summary: Pseudorabies virus (PRV), also known as suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), is a highly devastating swine pathogen in China. The sudden emergence of PRV variants in 2011, with higher pathogenicity and cross-species transmission potential, has caused significant economic losses and posed a threat to public health. In this study, a Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis was conducted to quantitatively screen for differentially expressed cellular proteins in PRV-infected Vero cells. A total of 7072 proteins were identified, with 960 proteins showing significant regulation, including 89 upregulated and 871 downregulated proteins. The differentially expressed proteins were involved in various biological processes and signaling pathways, providing insights into the pathogenesis of PRV variants and potential targets for pseudorabies prevention.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bodine Bezemer, Koen W. R. van Cleef, Gijs J. Overheul, Pascal Miesen, Ronald P. van Rij
Summary: After decades of being considered non-pathogenic, Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a major threat to human health. This study found that the hypertension drug lacidipine can inhibit ZIKV replication in various cell types and different strains of the virus. The mechanism of action is likely through altering the trafficking of lipids needed for viral replication.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Daniela Peruzzu, Antonello Amendola, Giulietta Venturi, Valeria de Turris, Giulia Marsili, Claudia Fortuna, Katia Fecchi, Maria Cristina Gagliardi
Summary: The study demonstrates that Zika virus uses lipid rafts in cell membrane as an entry portal, and suggests the potential of using Amphotericin B as an alternative antiviral therapy for Zika virus infections.
Article
Immunology
Kwangmin Na, Enkhmaa Lkhagva-Yondon, Minha Kim, Yu-Ree Lim, Eunju Shin, Chong-Kil Lee, Myung-Shin Jeon
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Ji-Yeon Park, Tae-Sung Lee, Eui Jeong Noh, Ah-Ra Jang, Jae-Hun Ahn, Dong-Yeon Kim, Do-Hyeon Jung, Eun-Jung Song, Yeon-Ji Lee, Yun-Ji Lee, Sung Ki Lee, Jong-Hwan Park
Summary: The study suggests that Ripk2 signaling plays a role in the immune response against F. nucleatum, which could potentially be a target for prevention and treatment of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eun-Jung Song, Erica Espano, Sang-Mu Shim, Jeong-Hyun Nam, Jiyeon Kim, Kiho Lee, Song-Kyu Park, Chong-Kil Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim
Summary: The study found that the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin has inhibitory effects on a wide range of influenza virus subtypes, including avian influenza viruses and oseltamivir-resistant influenza viruses, and significantly increased survival rate in mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus. This suggests that aprotinin could be considered for development as a therapeutic agent against influenza.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Erica Espano, Jiyeon Kim, Kiho Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim
Summary: Plants are considered as a potential source of drugs for various diseases, but plant-derived compounds have not been successful in antiviral treatments. This study suggests the use of compounds from vascular plants as potential antivirals, focusing on their potential targets against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeong-Hwan Hwang, Mi-Ra Oh, Ji-Hyun Hwang, Eun-Kyung Choi, Su-Jin Jung, Eun-Jung Song, Erica Espano, Richard J. Webby, Robert G. Webster, Jeong-Ki Kim, Soo-Wan Chae
Summary: The study found that oral intake of PAG did not significantly increase the seroprotection rate from an immunogenicity perspective, but it reduced the number of URI episodes. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore the effect of PAG on the antibody response against A/H3N2 in the future.
Review
Immunology
Bill Thaddeus Padasas, Erica Espano, Sang-Hyun Kim, Youngcheon Song, Chong-Kil Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant global health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which continues to mutate and evade previous treatments and vaccines. Current treatments for COVID-19 can be categorized based on their targets and mechanisms, including antiviral agents and immune-based therapies. This review discusses the efficacy of these treatments against variants of concern and emphasizes the importance of continuously evaluating treatment strategies to protect high-risk populations and complement vaccination efforts.
Article
Immunology
Sang-Hyun Kim, Ha-Eun Park, Seong-Un Jeong, Jun-Hyeok Moon, Young-Ran Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim, Hyunseok Kong, Chan-Su Park, Chong-Kil Lee
Summary: A novel peptide vaccination strategy using polymeric nanoparticles coated with tumor peptide-MHC-I complexes efficiently induces tumor-specific CTLs, showing promising results in inhibiting tumor growth in animal models.
Review
Immunology
Erica Espano, Dajung Kim, Jiyeon Kim, Song-Kyu Park, Jeong-Ki Kim
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health and economy, with no approved treatment currently available. Emergency use authorization of vaccines has been granted in some countries, but they are only given to high-risk individuals, creating a gap in virus control measures. Collaboration between scientific and clinical communities as well as drug manufacturers aims to expedite the discovery of potential therapies for COVID-19 by utilizing approved drugs and investigatory agents in clinical trials.
Review
Immunology
Chan-Su Park, Sang-Hyun Kim, Chong-Kil Lee
Article
Immunology
Eun-Jung Song, Erica Espano, Jeong-Hyun Nam, Jiyeon Kim, Kyu-Suk Shim, Eunju Shin, Young In Park, Chong-Kil Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim
Article
Immunology
Min-Jung Kang, Ah-Ra Jang, Ji-Yeon Park, Jae-Hun Ahn, Tae-Sung Lee, Dong-Yeon Kim, Do-Hyeon Jung, Eun-Jung Song, Jung Joo Hong, Jong-Hwan Park
Article
Immunology
Heetae Lee, Jiyeon Kim, Jinho An, Sungwon Lee, Dohyun Choi, Hyunseok Kong, Youngcheon Song, Il Ho Park, Chong-Kil Lee, Kyungjae Kim