Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

A Method to Assess Fc-mediated Effector Functions Induced by Influenza Hemagglutinin Specific Antibodies
Published on: February 23, 2018
Mode of action of 2-furylmercury chloride, an anti-rhinovirus compound
B Verheyden1, K Andries, B Rombaut
1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels B-1090, Belgium.
Abstract:
2-Furylmercury chloride (2-FMC), an organic mercury derivative, has been found to inhibit the replication of all tested human rhinovirus (HRV) serotypes belonging to the antiviral group B and a limited number of HRV serotypes belonging to the antiviral group A. The mechanism of action of 2-FMC was tested against HRV-2 (antiviral group B, minor receptor group), and compared with an antiviral compound for which the viral target was already determined (enviroxime). 2-FMC was found to bind reversibly to virus particles. However, time-dependent plaque reduction assays revealed that 2-FMC did not interfere with early events of HRV-2 replication. Using a quantitative RT-PCR ELISA assay, we were able to prove that 2-FMC inhibits the synthesis of viral RNA. However, the mode of action of 2-FMC is not identical to that of enviroxime, another inhibitor of viral RNA synthesis. Time-of-addition and time-of-withdrawal experiments demonstrated that 2-FMC acted during a broader time interval than enviroxime.
Related Concept Videos
Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Influenza
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Inhibitors Of Virion Release

