A human genome-wide loss-of-function screen identifies effective chikungunya antiviral drugs

Nat Commun. 2016 May 12:7:11320. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11320.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally spreading alphavirus against which there is no commercially available vaccine or therapy. Here we use a genome-wide siRNA screen to identify 156 proviral and 41 antiviral host factors affecting CHIKV replication. We analyse the cellular pathways in which human proviral genes are involved and identify druggable targets. Twenty-one small-molecule inhibitors, some of which are FDA approved, targeting six proviral factors or pathways, have high antiviral activity in vitro, with low toxicity. Three identified inhibitors have prophylactic antiviral effects in mouse models of chikungunya infection. Two of them, the calmodulin inhibitor pimozide and the fatty acid synthesis inhibitor TOFA, have a therapeutic effect in vivo when combined. These results demonstrate the value of loss-of-function screening and pathway analysis for the rational identification of small molecules with therapeutic potential and pave the way for the development of new, host-directed, antiviral agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chikungunya Fever / genetics
  • Chikungunya Fever / prevention & control
  • Chikungunya Fever / virology
  • Chikungunya virus / genetics*
  • Chikungunya virus / physiology
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Genome, Human / genetics*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Pimozide / pharmacology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Furans
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Pimozide
  • 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furancarboxylic acid