ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF MEROCYANINE 540 |
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| Authors: | Fritz Sieber Jill M O'Brien Gregory J Krueger Sheri L Schober William H Burns Saul J Sharkis Lyle L Sensenbrenner |
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| Institution: | Midwest Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 1700 West Wisconsin Avenue, P.O. Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53201;The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Simultaneous exposure to the lipophilic dye merocyanine 540 (MC 540) and white light inactivates several enveloped viruses. The same treatment appears to have little or no effect on pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells, mature red cells, and mature leukocytes. At least some components of the clotting system are spared, too. The molecular basis of the virucidal effect of MC 540 and light is not yet completely understood. Based on what is known about the interactions of MC 540 with cells and artificial membranes, it seems likely that MC 540 binds to and damages the viral envelope. MC 540-mediated photosensitization may have implications for the sterilization of bone marrow and blood products, the preparation of vaccines, and selected areas of antiviral therapy. |
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