A molecule has been found that inhibits the spread of herpes virus and possibly cancer
Researchers have developed a molecule that safely and effectively inhibits the spread of HSV-1.Researchers have developed a molecule that effectively inhibits an enzyme that promotes the spread of herpes simplex virus in humans. Scientists are confident that their discovery will help cure infections with herpes and other viruses, as well as diseases that "rely" on the spread of this enzyme, such as cancer.
Many adults are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It often appears as a cold on the lips but can, although rare, lead to more serious infections of the brain or eyes. Previous studies have shown that the heparanase enzyme (HPSE) is "implicated" in the spread of HSV-1, other viruses and cancer.
Heparan sulfate is present in the extracellular matrix (English extracellular matrix, ECM), and is responsible for regulating cell-to-cell interactions and maintaining the health of the ECM. The only known enzyme capable of cleaving or breaking down heparan sulfate is HPSE. It normally releases molecules needed for biological processes elsewhere in the body. But heparan sulfate also plays a role in cell entry and release of many viruses, including HSV-1. And overexpression of HPSE and uncontrolled cleavage of heparan sulfate can lead to abnormal cell activation and significant tissue damage.
Because of its role in promoting viruses and cancer, scientists have been focused on developing means to inhibit HPSE. Now, the authors of a new study have identified a molecule that inhibits the spread of HSV-1.
"We have shown that the inhibitor works against the herpes virus, but it can be used in all kinds of diseases," explains Deepak Shukla, corresponding author of the study.
Because HSV-1 can cause eye infections, the researchers tested different saccharides on human corneal epithelial cells infected with the virus. By administering the compounds before or simultaneously with HSV-1 infection, they found that treatment with hexa- and octasaccharides led to a significant reduction in the amount of extracellular virus in the samples and inhibited the spread of the virus.
By studying cells treated with these saccharides, the researchers observed higher levels of surface heparan sulfate, similar to cells not infected with HSV-1. The scientists also found that the cells showed an increase in migration. This indicates improved wound healing, which the researchers attributed to the antiviral activity of hexa- and octasaccharides.
The scientists concluded that the saccharide compounds have a dual mode of action, preventing the virus from entering cells as well as its release.
The researchers say there is still a lot of work to be done before their HPSE inhibitor is ready for clinical use. Nevertheless, it is an important step toward developing new treatments for HPS-1, other viruses and cancer.
The study is published in the journal Angewandte Chemie.