Inhibition of herpes simplex virus-induced cytopathic effect by modified hen egg-white lysozymes

Abstract

Hen egg-white lysozyme and three of its basic derivatives obtained by chemical modification were tested for their activity in vitro against a wild strain of herpes simplex virus type 1. Marked inhibition of the cytopathic effect was exhibited by the three chemical derivatives and the heat-inactivated lysozyme, whereas the native enzyme displayed only modest anticytopathic activity. Enzymatic activity did not appear to be necessary for the antiherpes activity of the lysozyme compounds. Instead, other properties such as their basic nature seemed to be relevant to their antiherpes effectiveness in vitro. At the concentrations used, all compounds but one had no significant effect on cell viability and growth. Some of the compounds tested caused formation of deposits on the surface of the cells. Some correlation between deposit formation and antiherpes cytopathic activity was found. The antiherpes efficacy in vitro and toxicity of the modified lysozymes were compared with those of known antiviral agents. The lysozymes were less toxic than the reference antiviral agents, and some of them were also more active.