Marta Butrym , Fabian Byvald , Marfa Blanter , Emma E. Ringqvist , Svitlana Vasylovska , Varpu Marjomäki , Joey Lau , Virginia M. Stone , Malin Flodström-Tullberg
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Enteroviruses, which infect via the gut, have been implicated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) development. Prolonged faecal shedding of enterovirus has been associated with islet autoimmunity. Additionally, enteroviral proteins and viral RNA have been detected in the pancreatic islets of individuals with recent-onset T1D, implicating their possible role in beta cell destruction. Despite this, no approved antiviral drugs currently exist that specifically target enterovirus infections for utilisation in disease interventions.
Drug repurposing allows for the discovery of new clinical uses for existing drugs and can expedite drug discovery. Previously, the cancer drug Vemurafenib demonstrated unprecedented antiviral activity against several enteroviruses. In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of Vemurafenib and an analogue thereof in preventing infection or reducing the replication of enteroviruses associated with T1D. We tested Vemurafenib in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and insulin-producing beta cells. Additionally, we established a protocol for infecting human stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) and used Vemurafenib and its analogue in this model.
Our studies revealed that Vemurafenib exhibited strong antiviral properties in IECs and a beta cell line. The antiviral effect was also seen with the Vemurafenib analogue. SC-islets expressed the viral receptors CAR and DAF, with their highest expression in insulin- and glucagon-positive cells, respectively. SC-islets were successfully infected by CVBs and the antiviral activity of Vemurafenib and its analogue was confirmed in most SC-islet batches.
In summary, our observations suggest that Vemurafenib and its analogue warrant further exploration as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of enterovirus-induced diseases, including T1D.
期刊介绍:
Antiviral Research is a journal that focuses on various aspects of controlling viral infections in both humans and animals. It is a platform for publishing research reports, short communications, review articles, and commentaries. The journal covers a wide range of topics including antiviral drugs, antibodies, and host-response modifiers. These topics encompass their synthesis, in vitro and in vivo testing, as well as mechanisms of action. Additionally, the journal also publishes studies on the development of new or improved vaccines against viral infections in humans. It delves into assessing the safety of drugs and vaccines, tracking the evolution of drug or vaccine-resistant viruses, and developing effective countermeasures. Another area of interest includes the identification and validation of new drug targets. The journal further explores laboratory animal models of viral diseases, investigates the pathogenesis of viral diseases, and examines the mechanisms by which viruses avoid host immune responses.