Antiviral effects of marine compounds against equine herpesvirus type 1
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
In the present study, we investigated the antiviral potential of novel compounds isolated from marine organisms. Compounds isolated from these marine organisms represent a relatively un-tapped source of possible antiviral drugs. Compound fractions isolated from the algal species, Microcystis aerouginosa, Prorocentrum lima, and the cyanobacteria Amphidinium klebsii were assayed for their ability to inhibit infection of cells with equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). To test for antiviral activity, we incubated equine dermal (ED) cells with the fractions for 30 minutes and then added an EHV-1 virus that expresses B-galactosidase to the cells. Five and a half hours later, we assayed the cells for EHV-1 infcetion by measuring the amount of B-galactosidase activity in a colorimetric assay. After screening 480 fractions for antiviral activity, we observed 19 fractions that significantly inhibited EHV-1 infection in 3 separate runs of the assay. From these 19 fractions, we recently identified a single compound from Amphidinium klebsii that inhibits EHV-1 infection at concentrations as low as 10ng/mL. This compound has been identified and has a known structure. Further assays will examine 1) the mechanism of viral inhibition and 2) the stage in the virus life-cycle where this inhibition occurs.
