Inhibition of norovirus replication by the nucleoside analogue 2 '-C-methylcytidine

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Rocha Pereira, J (Author) Other; Jochmans, D (Author) Other; Dallmeier, K (Author) Other; Leyssen, P (Author) Other; Cunha, R (Author) Other; Costa, I (Author) Other; Nascimento, MSJ (Author) FFUP; Neyts, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Vol. 427

Pages: 796-800

ISSN: 0006-291X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 33 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-3G2

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.10.003

Abstract (EN): We here report on the activity of 2 '-C-methylcytidine (2CMC) [a nucleoside polymerase inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV)] on the in vitro replication of (murine) norovirus (MNV). 2CMC inhibits (i) virus-induced CPE formation, (ii) viral RNA synthesis and (iii) infectious progeny formation with EC50 values of similar to 2 mu M. 2CMC acts at a time-point that coincides with the onset of viral RNA synthesis. Even following 30 passages of selective pressure no MNV-resistant virus was selected, which is in line with the high barrier to resistance of the nucleoside analogue for HCV. When combined with the broad-spectrum RNA virus inhibitor ribavirin, a marked antagonistic activity was observed indicating that these molecules should not be combined for the treatment of norovirus infections. Our results suggest that 2 '-C-methyl nucleoside analogues should be further explored for the treatment and prophylaxis of norovirus infections.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5