Discovery of dapivirine, a nonnucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, as a broad-spectrum antiviral against both influenza A and B viruses

Antiviral Res. 2017 Sep:145:103-113. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.07.016. Epub 2017 Aug 2.

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug-resistant influenza viruses poses a persistent threat to public health. The current prophylaxis and therapeutic interventions for influenza virus infection have limited efficacy due to the continuous antigenic drift and antigenic shift of influenza viruses. As part of our ongoing effort to develop the next generation of influenza antivirals with broad-spectrum antiviral activity and a high genetic barrier to drug resistance, in this study we report the discovery of dapivirine, an FDA-approved HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, as a broad-spectrum antiviral against multiple strains of influenza A and B viruses with low micromolar efficacy. Mechanistic studies revealed that dapivirine inhibits the nuclear entry of viral ribonucleoproteins at the early stage of viral replication. As a result, viral RNA and protein synthesis were inhibited. Furthermore, dapivirine has a high in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance, and its antiviral activity is synergistic with oseltamivir carboxylate. In summary, the in vitro antiviral results of dapivirine suggest it is a promising candidate for the development of the next generation of dual influenza and HIV antivirals.

Keywords: Broad-spectrum antiviral; Dapivirine; Drug resistance; Dual antiviral; Influenza virus.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Dogs
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza A virus / physiology
  • Influenza B virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza B virus / physiology
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Viral / drug effects
  • Virus Internalization / drug effects
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • RNA, Viral
  • reverse transcriptase, Human immunodeficiency virus 1
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase
  • Dapivirine