Differential effects of lipid biosynthesis inhibitors on Zika and Semliki Forest viruses

Vet J. 2017 Dec:230:62-64. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.10.009. Epub 2017 Oct 19.

Abstract

The recent outbreak of infection with Zika virus (ZIKV; Flaviviridae) has attracted attention to this previously neglected mosquito-borne pathogen and the need for efficient therapies. Since flavivirus replication is generally known to be dependent on fatty acid biosynthesis, two inhibitors of this pathway, 5-(tetradecyloxyl)-2-furoic acid (TOFA) and cerulenin, were tested for their potentiality to inhibit virus replication. At concentrations previously shown to inhibit the replication of other flaviviruses, neither drug had a significant antiviral affect against ZIKV, but reduced the replication of the non-related mosquito-borne Semliki Forest virus (Togaviridae).

Keywords: Antiviral agent; Lipid biosynthesis; Semliki Forest virus; Zika virus.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells / virology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cerulenin / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fatty Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Furans / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Semliki forest virus / drug effects*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects
  • Zika Virus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Fatty Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Furans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Cerulenin
  • 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furancarboxylic acid