We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Compound Demonstrates Potential as Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Drug

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Apr 2018
A team of molecular biologists identified a potent drug candidate with specificity towards especially deadly viruses such as Ebola virus and Marburg virus.

Ebola virus (EBOV), a member of the filovirus family, is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that causes severe disease in humans. More...
While there are no internationally approved therapies for EBOV, it is known that EBOV RNA synthesis is carried out by a virus-encoded complex with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity that is required for viral propagation. This complex and its activities are therefore potential antiviral targets.

To exploit this possible weakness in the virus, investigators at Georgia State University (Atlanta, USA) used a previously established 384-well microplate format minigenome assay (MGA) of EBOV RNA synthesis to screen a library of 200,000 small molecule compounds to identify potential inhibitors of Ebola virus RNA synthesis.

The investigators reported in the February 2018 issue of the journal Antiviral Research that the screen identified 56 hits that inhibited EBOV MGA activity by more than 70% while exhibiting less than 20% cell cytotoxicity. Inhibitory chemical scaffolds included angelicin derivatives, derivatives of the antiviral compound GSK983, and benzoquinolines. Benzoquinolines are isomeric compounds (such as 5,6-benzoquinoline and 7,8-benzoquinoline) in which a benzene ring is fused to that of a quinoline molecule; their derivatives are used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and dyes.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the benzoquinoline scaffold produced nearly 50 analogs and led to identification of an optimized compound, SW456, with antiviral activity against infectious EBOV in cell culture. The compound was also active against a MGA for another deadly filovirus, Marburg virus. Furthermore, this compound also exhibited antiviral activity towards a negative-sense RNA virus from the rhabdovirus family, vesicular stomatitis virus, and a positive-sense RNA virus, Zika virus.

Overall, the data accumulated during this study demonstrated the potential of the EBOV MGA to identify anti-EBOV compounds and identified the potential broad-spectrum antiviral properties of the benzoquinoline series.

"This work provides a foundation for the development of novel antiviral agents to combat Ebola virus," said senior author Dr. Christopher Basler, professor of microbial pathogenesis and biomedical sciences at Georgia State University.

Related Links:
Georgia State University


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
New
Blood Glucose Test Strip
AutoSense Test
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Prof. Nicholas Schwab has found a biomarker that can predict treatment outcome of glatirameracetate in MS patients (Photo courtesy of Uni MS - M. Ibrahim)

Simple Genetic Testing Could Predict Treatment Success in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients starting therapy often face a choice between interferon beta and glatiramer acetate, two equally established and well-tolerated first-line treatments. Until now, the decision... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.