Characterization of β-d- N4-Hydroxycytidine as a Novel Inhibitor of Chikungunya Virus

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2017 Mar 24;61(4):e02395-16. doi: 10.1128/AAC.02395-16. Print 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) represents a reemerging global threat to human health. Recent outbreaks across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean have prompted renewed scientific interest in this mosquito-borne alphavirus. There are currently no vaccines against CHIKV, and treatment has been limited to nonspecific antiviral agents, with suboptimal outcomes. Herein, we have identified β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC) as a novel inhibitor of CHIKV. NHC behaves as a pyrimidine ribonucleoside and selectively inhibits CHIKV replication in cell culture.

Keywords: Chikungunya virus; antiviral agents; nucleoside analogs; replicon.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Chikungunya virus / drug effects*
  • Cytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cytidine / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytidine
  • N(4)-hydroxycytidine