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Published on: September 20, 2021
Herpes simplex virus: treatment with antimicrobial peptides
Leonid V Kovalchuk1, Ludmila V Gankovskaya, Oksana A Gankovskaya
1Russian State Medical University, Department of Immunology, Moscow, Russia.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) elimination relies on innate immunity. A complex of native cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (CCAP) demonstrated significant antiviral and immunomodulating effects against HSV in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Herpes virus infection poses a significant public health challenge.
- Innate immunity is crucial for herpes simplex virus (HSV) elimination.
- The mechanisms of innate antiviral immunity require further comprehensive study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss mechanisms of innate antiviral immunity against HSV.
- To propose novel treatment regimens for HSV infections.
- To evaluate the antiviral and immunomodulating potential of CCAP.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on innate antiviral immunity.
- Investigation of Toll-like receptors in virus recognition.
- In vitro testing of a complex of native cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (CCAP) for antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- Toll-like receptors are involved in HSV recognition.
- Complement, natural antibodies, cytokines, and antimicrobial peptides are early responders to HSV.
- The CCAP complex (Superlymph) inhibited HSV reproduction in vitro.
- Protegrins, a component of CCAP, showed activity against HSV.
Conclusions:
- The CCAP complex exhibits both immunomodulating and antiviral effects.
- CCAP represents a promising therapeutic strategy for HSV infections.
- Further research into innate antiviral immunity mechanisms is warranted.
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