In vivo therapeutic protection against influenza A (H1N1) oseltamivir-sensitive and resistant viruses by the iminosugar UV-4

PLoS One. 2015 Mar 18;10(3):e0121662. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121662. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Our lead iminosugar analog called UV-4 or N-(9-methoxynonyl)-1-deoxynojirimycin inhibits activity of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) α-glucosidases I and II and is a potent, host-targeted antiviral candidate. The mechanism of action for the antiviral activity of iminosugars is proposed to be inhibition of ER α-glucosidases leading to misfolding of critical viral glycoproteins. These misfolded glycoproteins would then be incorporated into defective virus particles or targeted for degradation resulting in a reduction of infectious progeny virions. UV-4, and its hydrochloride salt known as UV-4B, is highly potent against dengue virus in vitro and promotes complete survival in a lethal dengue virus mouse model. In the current studies, UV-4 was shown to be highly efficacious via oral gavage against both oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant influenza A (H1N1) infections in mice even if treatment was initiated as late as 48-72 hours after infection. The minimal effective dose was found to be 80-100 mg/kg when administered orally thrice daily. UV-4 treatment did not affect the development of protective antibody responses after either influenza infection or vaccination. Therefore, UV-4 is a promising candidate for further development as a therapeutic intervention against influenza.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Deoxynojirimycin / adverse effects
  • 1-Deoxynojirimycin / analogs & derivatives*
  • 1-Deoxynojirimycin / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Viral / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology*
  • Safety
  • Time Factors
  • Viral Load / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • 1-Deoxynojirimycin
  • Oseltamivir
  • N-9-methoxynonyldeoxynojirimycin
  • nojirimycin