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  • Idarubicin is a broad-spectrum enterovirus replication inhibitor that selectively targets the virus internal ribosomal entry site.

Idarubicin is a broad-spectrum enterovirus replication inhibitor that selectively targets the virus internal ribosomal entry site.

The Journal of general virology (2016-02-18)
Hsin-Yu Hou, Wen-Wen Lu, Kuan-Yin Wu, Cheng-Wen Lin, Szu-Hao Kung
ABSTRACT

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes life-threatening diseases with neurological manifestations in young children. However, the treatment of EV71 infections remains an unmet medical need. Idarubicin (IDR) is an anthracycline compound that is used therapeutically for certain types of tumour. In this study, we identified IDR as an EV71 inhibitor, which displayed antiviral potency in the submicromolar range and substantially protected cells from the cytopathic effects and cell death caused by EV71 infections. The antiviral effects extended to several other enterovirus (EV) species, and these effects were independent of cytotoxicity or topoisomerase inhibition. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated the importance of the anthracycline scaffold for anti-EV potency. IDR effectively blocked the synthesis of viral protein and RNA, but not the viral proteolysis processes. Moreover, anthracyclines were demonstrated to suppress EV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation; conversely, the cellular p53 IRES activity was not sensitive to IDR action. Inhibition of IRES-mediated translation by IDR correlated with the affinity of binding between IDR and the particular IRES. Moreover, IDR impaired binding between the EV71 IRES RNA and hnRNP A1, a known host IRES trans-acting factor. In sum, we have identified a USA FDA-approved anticancer drug with the new indication as a selective EV IRES binder and inhibitor. The finding may also provide leads for the development of novel antiviral therapies directed at the EV IRES RNA.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Enterovirus 71 Antibody, cross-reacts with Coxsackie A16, clone 422-8D-4C-4D, ascites fluid, clone 422-8D-4C-4D, Chemicon®
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Actin Antibody, clone C4, ascites fluid, clone C4, Chemicon®
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Coxsackievirus B Blend Antibody, clone Blend of 6s, ascites fluid, Chemicon®
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Echovirus Blend Antibody, blend of sixs, ascites fluid, Chemicon®