Castanospermine reduces Zika virus infection-associated seizure by inhibiting both the viral load and inflammation in mouse models

Antiviral Res. 2020 Nov:183:104935. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104935. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have been reported worldwide, including a recent occurrence in Brazil where it spread rapidly, and an association with increased cases of microcephaly was observed in addition to neurological issues such as GBS that were reported during previous outbreaks. Following infection of neuronal tissues, ZIKV can cause inflammation, which may lead to neuronal abnormalities, including seizures and paralysis. Therefore, a drug containing both anti-viral and immunosuppressive properties would be of great importance in combating ZIKV related neurological abnormalities. Castanospermine (CST) is potentially a right candidate drug as it reduced viral load and brain inflammation with the resulting appearance of delayed neuronal disorders, including seizures and paralysis in an Ifnar1-/- mouse.

Keywords: Castanospermine; Inflammation; Seizure; Zika virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Indolizines / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / virology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / immunology
  • Seizures / virology*
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Load / drug effects
  • Zika Virus / drug effects
  • Zika Virus Infection / complications*
  • Zika Virus Infection / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Indolizines
  • castanospermine