Inhibitory effects of aprotinin on influenza A and B viruses in vitro and in vivo

Sci Rep. 2021 May 3;11(1):9427. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-88886-1.

Abstract

Influenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long-term or frequent use of approved anti-influenza agents has resulted in drug-resistant strains, thereby necessitating the discovery of new drugs. In this study, we found aprotinin, a serine protease inhibitor, as an anti-influenza candidate through screening of compound libraries. Aprotinin has been previously reported to show inhibitory effects on a few influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes (e.g., seasonal H1N1 and H3N2). However, because there were no reports of its inhibitory effects on the other types of influenza viruses, we investigated the inhibitory effects of aprotinin in vitro on a wide range of influenza viruses, including avian and oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus strains. Our cell-based assay showed that aprotinin had inhibitory effects on seasonal human IAVs (H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes), avian IAVs (H5N2, H6N5, and H9N2 subtypes), an oseltamivir-resistant IAV, and a currently circulating influenza B virus. We have also confirmed its activity in mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus, showing a significant increase in survival rate. Our findings suggest that aprotinin has the capacity to inhibit a wide range of influenza virus subtypes and should be considered for development as a therapeutic agent against influenza.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aprotinin / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Dogs
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / growth & development
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / growth & development
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N2 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N2 Subtype / growth & development
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / growth & development
  • Influenza B virus / drug effects
  • Influenza B virus / growth & development
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / drug therapy*
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Aprotinin