Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
Ion transport blockers inhibit human rhinovirus 2 release
Elena V Gazina1, David N Harrison, Meryem Jefferies
1Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. gazina@hfi.unimelb.edu.au
Abstract:
Picornavirus replication causes leakage of cytoplasmic K+ and an influx of Na+ and Ca2+. In this study, we have explored the possibility that a blockade of Ca2+ and Na+ influx would reduce rhinovirus production and/or release. The Ca2+-channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem, as well as the blocker of Na+/H+ exchange and the epithelial Na+ channel, EIPA, inhibited both virus production and release. The effect on virus release was more pronounced than the effect on production, thus raising the possibility that rhinovirus release may serve as a target for antiviral agents. Unexpectedly, our results also showed that the antiviral activity of the Ca2+-channel blockers was not due to the block of Ca2+ influx. Similarly, the antiviral activity of EIPA appeared to be unrelated to the blockade of cellular Na+/H+ exchanger or the epithelial Na+ channel. Potential alternative mechanisms of the antiviral activity of these compounds are discussed.
More Related Videos
09:31Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
Published on: April 15, 2017
11:48Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Published on: April 4, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Influenza