Interferon alfacon1 is an inhibitor of SARS-corona virus in cell-based models

Antiviral Res. 2005 Jun;66(2-3):99-102. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2005.01.002. Epub 2005 Feb 15.

Abstract

Preliminary data examining interferon alfacon1 treatment of SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus)-infected patients suggests this therapy is well tolerated and of therapeutic benefit. We report herein that interferon alfacon1, has potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV. In a cytopathic effect protection (CPE) assay, interferon alfacon1 inhibited the generation of CPE in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.001 microg/ml, a clinically achievable level. Furthermore, interferon alfacon1 also demonstrated significant antiviral activity in yield reduction and plaque reduction assays. The in vitro antiviral activity of interferon alfacon1 against SARS-CoV suggests continued evaluation of interferon alfacon1 as a therapeutic treatment for patients infected with SARS-CoV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / pharmacokinetics
  • Interferon Type I / pharmacology*
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Models, Biological
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon Type I
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • interferon alfacon-1