Antiviral Effect of Nonfunctionalized Gold Nanoparticles against Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) and Possible Contribution of Near-Field Interaction Mechanism

The antiviral activity of nonfunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) in vitro was revealed in this study. We found that AuNPs are capable of reducing the cytopathic effect (CPE) of HSV-1 in Vero cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner when used in pretreatment mode. The demonstrated antiviral activity was within the nontoxic concentration range of AuNPs. Interestingly, we noted that nanoparticles with smaller sizes reduced the CPE of HSV-1 more effectively than larger ones. The observed phenomenon can be tentatively explained by the near-field action of nanoparticles at the virus envelope. These results show that AuNPs can be considered as potential candidates for the treatment of HSV-1 infections.     

Antiviral Activities of Officinaloside C against Herpes Simplex Virus-1

The iridoid compounds in traditional Chinese medicine play a prominent role in their antiviral effects. We previously reported the anti-inflammatory effect of new iridoids from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis. Nevertheless, several open questions remain to explore the other biological functions of these new iridoid compounds. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is one of the most prevalent pathogens in human beings worldwide and due to limited therapies, mainly with the guanosine analog aciclovir (ACV) and other analogs, the search for new drugs with different modes of action and low toxicity becomes particularly urgent for public health. This study aimed to explore the anti-HSV-1 effects of iridoids from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis. The dried aerial parts of Morinda officinalis were extracted with 95% ethanol and systematic separation and purification were then carried out by modern column chromatography methods such as silica gel column, RP-ODS column, Sephadex LH-20 gel column, and semi-preparative liquid phase, and the structure of these compounds were identified through the physical and chemical properties and a variety of spectral techniques. The obtained seven new iridoid compounds were screened for antiviral activity on HSV-1 through CCK8 and the cytopathic effect, and then the plaque reduction assay, the anti-fluorescence reporter virus strain replication, and RT-qPCR experiments were carried out to further evaluate the antiviral effect. Seven new iridoid compounds (officinaloside A–G) were identified from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis, and officinaloside C showed anti-HSV-1 activity. Further functional experiments confirmed that officinaloside C has a significant inhibiting effect on HSV-1 virus plaque formation, viral gene, and protein expression, and fluorescent virus replication. Our findings suggest that officinaloside C has significant inhibitory effects on viral plaque formation, genome replication, and viral protein expression of HSV-1 which implies that officinaloside C exhibits viral activity and may be a promising treatment for HSV-1 infection.     

Inhibitory effects of lupene-derived pentacyclic triterpenoids from Bursera simaruba on HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro replication

The cytotoxicity and antiviral properties of Bursera simaruba against herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) were investigated through a bioactivity-guided isolation protocol. The plant material was fractionated using solvent-solvent partitioning, size-exclusion and thin-layer chromatography. The antiviral compounds present in the most active fractions were identified by means of LC-MS and NMR. Three different methods were compared during the evaluation of antiviral activity of samples. Four lupene-related pentacyclic triterpenes were found to be responsible for the anti-herpesvirus effects of B. simaruba and were isolated from this species for the first time. The selective indexes (SI) of B. simaruba-derived samples ranged from 7.7 to 201.9.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Analogs of Methyl Ursolate 3-O-β-Chacotrioside as H5N1 Viral Entry Inhibitors

The earliest stage of influenza virus infection is the viral entry to the host cell. In our previous work, we discovered the first three small molecule H5N1 viral entry inhibitors 1–3. Here, based on saponin 3, methyl ursolate 3-O-β-chacotrioside, several analogs were synthesized and evaluated to understand the structure-activity relationships of this type of compound on the H5N1 viral entry inhibitory activity. The preliminary studies demonstrated that unlike saponins 1 and 2, it is possible to reduce the 3-O-chacotriosyl residue of compound 3 to a disaccharide without affecting the viral entry activities significantly. The results obtained will render new clues to the understanding of the antiviral profile for these types of compounds.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of a Series of Methylene-Expanded Oxetanocin Nucleoside Analogues

Summary.  A series of methylene-expanded oxetanocin nucleoside analogues, e.g. analogues of 2 and the known antiviral nucleosides AZT, FLT, and ddC (3) were prepared by a very direct route beginning with the readily available (S )-glycidol 4 and proceeding via the dihydrofuran-3-methanols 9a,b. Biological testing of these modified nucleosides indicates that they are non-cytotoxic compounds with generally weak antiviral activity. However, the guanosine analogue 2G showed pronounced activity vs. herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in cell culture and was HSV-1-encoded thymidine kinase dependent. This compound is therefore an interesting new lead structure for the development of new anti-HSV agents. Received September 3, 2001. Accepted September 17, 2001     

Antiviral properties from plants of the Mediterranean flora

Natural products are a successful source in drug discovery, playing a significant role in maintaining human health. We investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of extracts from 18 traditionally used Mediterranean plants. Noteworthy antiviral activity was found in the extract obtained from the branches of Daphne gnidium L. against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (EC₅₀ = 0.08 μg/mL) and coxsackievirus B5 (EC₅₀ = 0.10 μg/mL). Other relevant activities were found against BVDV, YFV, Sb-1, RSV and HSV-1. Interestingly, extracts from Artemisia arborescens L. and Rubus ulmifolius Schott, as well as those from D. gnidium L., showed activities against two different viruses. This extensive antiviral screening allowed us to identify attractive activities, offering opportunities to develop lead compounds with a great pharmaceutical potential.     

Investigation on DNA Binding and Photo-Cleavage Properties of Water-Soluble Porphyrin and Metalloporphyrins

A water-soluble porphyrin, tetrakis[4-(trimethylammonium)phenyl]porphyrin (TAPP), and its metal complexes with Zn(II), (ZnTAPP), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and u.v.-vis. spectra. The binding of the two complexes with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by absorption spectra, luminescence titrations, and viscosity measurements. The changes of the u.v.-vis. absorption spectra during the titration of these porphyrins with calf thymus DNA revealed a large bathochromic shift (upto 8–12 nm) and a hypochromicity of the porphyrins soret bands. The intensity of the fluorescence spectra of these porphyrins was enhanced. The cytotoxicity of the series of porphyrins TAPP and MTAPP [M = Zn(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Co(III), Ni(II), Mn(III)] complexes was determined for Madin–Darby Canine Kindney (MDCK) cells and Vero cells with the method of cell culture, and were evaluated as anti-virus activity for influenza virus type A (H3N2), B and Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1, strain SM44), type-2 (HSV-2, strain 333) in vitro. Among the complexes evaluated, inhibited viral cytopathogenicity at lower concentrations that were found cytotoxic for the MDCK cells. Differences were observed in the 50% effective doses (based on inhibition of viral cytopathogenicity) of these complexes for a number of influenza viruses type A, B, and HSV-1, HSV-2 strains. It was found that CoTAPP displayed good inhibitory action against the virus in vitro.     

Studies on the Antiviral Activities in vitro of Polysaccharide from Eucheuma striatum

To assay the antiviral activities on HSV-1 and CVB3 in vitro of the polysaccharide from Eucheuma striatum, its antiviral mechanism was explored. Vero cells were infected by HSV-1 and CVB3, and they were cultured with serial dilutions of polysaccharide. The cells cytotoxicity of Polysaccharide was evaluated by the MTT method. The inhibitory effects were evaluated by the cytopathic effect (CPE). Its antiviral mechanism was researched by the method of giving samples in different time. The polysaccharide could inhibit the CPE of cells infected by HSV-1 and CVB3. It showed low cytotoxicity on vero cells. Its antiviral activities were better than those of acyclovir and ribavirin which were run in parallel as the positive control samples. The polysaccharide from Eucheuma striatum has potent antiviral activities. Its antiviral mechanism is that it can prevent the virus from absorbing to the cell surface.     

Antiviral activity of aconite alkaloids from Aconitum carmichaelii Debx

Four diterpenoid alkaloids, namely, (a) hypaconitine, (b) songorine, (c) mesaconitine and (d) aconitine, were isolated from the ethanol root extract of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. The antiviral activities of these alkaloids against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were evaluated. Antiviral activity test in vivo showed that compounds a and c, which were C19-diterpenoid alkaloids, showed inactivation efficacy values of 82.4 and 85.6% against TMV at 500 μg/mL, respectively. By contrast, compound c presented inactivation activity of 52.1% against CMV at 500 μg/mL, which was almost equal to that of the commercial Ningnanmycin (87.1% inactivation activity against TMV and 53.8% inactivation activity against CMV). C19-Diterpenoid alkaloids displayed moderate to high antiviral activity against TMV and CMV at 500 μg/mL, dosage plays an important role in antiviral activities. This paper is the first report on the evolution of aconite diterpenoid alkaloids for antiviral activity against CMV.     

Constituents and biological activity of the chloroform extract and essential oil of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cupressus sempervirens</Emphasis>

The essential oil of the leaves of Cupressus sempervirens L. was isolated by hydrodistillation and tested against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, showing remarkable antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 75%. The antiviral activity of the essential oil was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), showing antiviral activity with virucidal percentages of 68.0% and 53.2% at concentrations of 1:32 and 1:64, respectively. We firstly reported the isolation of two epi-betulin esters of fatty acids from the CHCl₃ fraction of Cupressus sempervirens L. leaves, which were isolated and purified using HPLC, and identified using PMR and MS. The CHCl₃ fraction showed significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 265–268, May–June, 2009.     

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Amino Acid Derivatives of the Heteropolytungstophosphoric Acid

Compounds of phosphotungstic acid (WPA) containing the amino acids alanine (WPA–Ala) or glycine (WPA–Gly) as counter cations were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Cellular toxicity was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion method, and the antiviral activity of WPA and the modified WPA compounds was tested against herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Biological assays indicate that the newly synthesized compounds exhibit no evident cytotoxic effects on Vero cells and negligible antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2.     

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Amino Acid Derivatives of the Heteropolytungstophosphoric Acid

Summary. Compounds of phosphotungstic acid (WPA) containing the amino acids alanine (WPA–Ala) or glycine (WPA–Gly) as counter cations were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Cellular toxicity was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion method, and the antiviral activity of WPA and the modified WPA compounds was tested against herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Biological assays indicate that the newly synthesized compounds exhibit no evident cytotoxic effects on Vero cells and negligible antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2.     

A new antiviral pregnane from a gorgonian-derived Cladosporium sp. fungus

A new pregnane, 3α-hydroxy-7-ene-6,20-dione (1), and five known steroids (2–6), along with one known steroidal glycoside (7) were obtained from the fungus Cladosporium sp. WZ-2008-0042 cultured from a gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea collected from the South China Sea. The structure and absolute configuration of the new compound (1) were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction data. The compound has a rare configuration of 3α-OH that is different from most of pregnanes. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiviral activities against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Among them, 1 exhibited potential antiviral activity with the IC₅₀ value of 0.12 mM.     

Chemical analysis and antiviral activity evaluation of Baccharis anomala

The chemical composition and antiviral activity of aqueous extract from Baccharis anomala was studied by bioactivity-guided fractionation. Ethanol precipitation and fractionation by molecular permeation allowed the separation of the anti-herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) active fraction from aqueous extract (Fraction B). Natural Product Reagent A, FeCl₃ and thin-layer chromatography indicated the presence of phenolic compounds in the aqueous extract. Fraction B showed pronounced antiviral activity when tested with HSV-1 strains VR733/ATCC and Acyclovir-resistant 29-R, displaying virucidal but not virustatic activity.     

Antiviral peptides from marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501

A new cyclic pentapeptide and three new linear peptides, namely, aspergillipeptides D–G (1–4), were isolated from a culture broth of marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were confirmed by Marfey’s method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed evident antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with IC₅₀ values of 9.5 and 19.8 µM under their non-cytotoxic concentrations against a Vero cell line, respectively, and 1 also had antiviral activity against acyclovir-resistant clinical isolates of HSV-1.     

Antiviral activity of polysaccharides against infection of tobacco mosaic virus

In the course of searching for antiviral substances to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), it was found that polysaccharides have a high inhibitory activity against TMV infection. The leaves of Xanthi NN tobacco were rubbed with the mixtures of TMV and polysaccharides such as chondroitin sulfate C- and A- types. The addition of polysaccharides to the inoculum solution greatly reduced the number of local lesions formed on the inoculated leaves. Here the polysaccharide did not completely prevent virus entry into the leaves and the virus particles may penetrate and multiply in leaves without forming lesions. Although the electron micrograph showed that the virus suspension was almost monodisperse, the addition of polysaccharides caused TMV to form large raft-like aggregates. The TMV solution became turbid after the addition of a large amount of polysaccharides. A threshold concentration of polysaccharides exists for virus precipitation, which is independent of the virus concentration. The size of polysaccharide at the threshold concentration agreed well with that obtained by light scattering method. The strength of the interaction between TMV and polysaccharides was found to be related to the degree of inhibitory activity of polysaccharides.     

New cyclobutyl analogs of adenosine and guanosine. Part 1. Synthesis of the 9-[3,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]purine nucleoside analogs

The synthesis of 1-amino-3,3-bis(benzyloxymethyl)cyclobutane has been performed from 3,3-bis(benzyloxymethyl)cyclobutanone, via the corresponding oxime which was reduced with lithium aluminum hydride. The amine thus obtained led to two new cyclobutyl analogs of adenosine and guanosine which were devoid of antiviral activity against HSV-1, HCMV and HIV in cell culture.     

The in vitro antiherpes activity of some selected antitumor organotin compounds

A number of antitumor-active octahedral organotin complexes of the type R₂SnX₂L₂, where R=ethyl or phenyl, X = chloride or bromide, and L₂ = o- phenanthroline or 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole, have been shown to exhibit in vitro antiherpes activity towards both herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). In addition, a series of mono-, di-, and tri-organotin halides (alkyl and phenyl) demonstrated weak antiherpes activity in the same viral assay system. Selectivity indexes for the tin compounds were calculated and compared with those available in the literature for a number of well-characterized and commercially important antivirals, e.g. adenine-9-β-D-arabinofuranoside (ara-A), cytosine-β-D-arabinofuranoside (ara-C), 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IDU) and 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine (acyclovir, ACY). Although the organotin complexes are less effective in vitro than either ACY or IDU, as determined by their selectivity indexes, they are comparable in activity with both ara-A and ara-C in this particular assay. With few exceptions, most notably (C₂H₅)₂SnBr₂(o-phen), the organotin compounds examined in this study are more active against HSV-1 (F strain) than HSV-2 (MS strain). The results presented here represent the first study of the potential antiviral properties of organotin compounds.     

Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Some 5‐N‐Arylaminomethyl‐2‐glycosylsulphanyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles and Their Analogs against Hepatitis A and Herpes Simplex Viruses

N‐Arylaminomethyl‐3H‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiones 2a,b were prepared from the corresponding N‐arylglycinoylhydrazides. A number of their thioglycoside derivatives 4–7a–c and S‐functionalized analogs 8–11a,b were synthesized by the reaction with different acetobromosugars and acyclic hydroxyalkylating agents. The antiviral activity of a number of the synthesized compounds against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) was evaluated. Compounds 5a and 5b showed promising results against HAV.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amidinourea Derivatives against Herpes Simplex Viruses

Current therapy against herpes simplex viruses (HSV) relies on the use of a few nucleoside antivirals such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. However, the current drugs are ineffective against latent and drug-resistant HSV infections. A series of amidinourea compounds, designed as analogues of the antiviral drug moroxydine, has been synthesized and evaluated as potential non-nucleoside anti-HSV agents. Three compounds showed micromolar activity against HSV-1 and low cytotoxicity, turning to be promising candidates for future optimization. Preliminary mode of action studies revealed that the new compounds act in an early stage of the HSV replication cycle, just after the viral attachment and the entry phase of the infection.