Abstract
ABSTRACTThe herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is widespread in the population, and in most cases its infection is asymptomatic. The currently available anti-HSV-1 drugs are acyclovir and its derivatives, although long-term therapy with these agents can lead to drug resistance. Thus, the discovery of novel antiherpetic compounds deserves additional effort. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an interesting class of molecules with potential antiviral properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration of the in vitro anti-HSV-1 activity of temporin B (TB), a short membrane-active amphibian AMP. In particular, when HSV-1 was preincubated with 20 μg/ml TB, significant antiviral activity was observed (a 5-log reduction of the virus titer). Such an effect was due to the disruption of the viral envelope, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, TB partially affected different stages of the HSV-1 life cycle, including the attachment and the entry of the virus into the host cell, as well as the subsequent postinfection phase. Furthermore, its efficacy was confirmed on human epithelial cells, suggesting TB as a novel approach for the prevention and/or treatment of HSV-1 infections.
Highlights
The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is widespread in the population, and in most cases its infection is asymptomatic
In a first set of experiments, we evaluated the effect of temporin B (TB) on Vero cell viability
Cells treated with different concentrations (1 to 100 g/ml) of peptide for 24 h were stained with trypan blue; their microscopic examination revealed no significant mortality in cells treated with the peptide at a concentration up to 40 g/ml
Summary
The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is widespread in the population, and in most cases its infection is asymptomatic. HSV-1 infections are usually treated with antiviral agents such as acyclovir and its derivatives; these therapies neither prevent recurrence arising from the reactivation of the latent virus, nor do they completely eliminate the virus [5]. Antiherpetic therapy, which is more likely to induce drug resistance [6, 7] In this context, it is essential to develop novel anti-HSV-1 agents. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been studied for their potential antiviral properties, as demonstrated against several viruses [8,9,10,11]. A family of amphibian AMPs, originally isolated from the European red frog Rana temporaria, is called temporins These peptides represent the shortest AMPs found in nature to date with a typical length of 10 to 13 amino acids and a conserved sequence [15, 16]. No studies regarding the activity of temporins against human viruses have been reported to date
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
