Herpes simplex virus: treatment with antimicrobial peptides

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007:601:369-76. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-72005-0_39.

Abstract

The herpes virus infection represents a significant challenge for public health. The innate immunity plays an important role in herpes simplex virus (HSV) elimination. The innate antiviral immunity has not been comprehensively studied. The recent investigations demonstrate that Toll-like receptors are actively involved in the virus recognition. The complement and natural antibodies, as well as cytokines and antimicrobial peptides, are the first molecules to bind to virions. In this chapter, some mechanisms of the innate antiviral immunity are discussed and treatment regimens are proposed. The complex of native cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (CCAP or Superlymph) proved to inhibit the virus reproduction in vitro. Protegrines, as a CCAP component, were active against the virus. Considering all the data, we conclude that the complex of native cytokines and antimicrobial peptides produces both immunomodulating and antiviral effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Herpes Simplex / immunology*
  • Herpes Simplex / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / virology
  • Models, Biological
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Simplexvirus / immunology*
  • Simplexvirus / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*
  • Virus Replication / immunology

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Peptides