Anticytomegaloviral activity of esterified milk proteins and L-polylysines

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common pathogen causing significant morbidity, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Emerging drug resistance and viral persistence pose challenges for effective HCMV treatment.
• Novel antiviral agents are needed to combat HCMV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antiviral activity of methylated alpha-lactalbumin (Met-ALA) and methylated beta-lactoglobulin (Met-BLG) against HCMV.
• To assess the efficacy of peptic hydrolysates of Met-ALA and Met-BLG.
• To compare the antiviral potential of these compounds with L-polylysines.

Main Methods:

• MRC-5 fibroblasts were infected with HCMV (AD 169 strain).
• Cells were treated with varying concentrations of Met-ALA, Met-BLG, their peptic hydrolysates, and L-polylysines.
• Antiviral activity was quantified by comparing infected cell counts in treated versus untreated groups.

Main Results:

• Both Met-ALA and Met-BLG, along with their peptic hydrolysates, demonstrated a reduction in HCMV infectious activity in fibroblast cells.
• L-polylysines exhibited the highest antiviral activity among the tested substances.
• The basic proteins and polypeptides, despite lower activity than L-polylysines, showed promising antiviral effects.

Conclusions:

• Met-ALA and Met-BLG possess significant antiviral properties against HCMV.
• These compounds, including their hydrolysates and other basic polypeptides, represent potential therapeutic candidates for HCMV infections.
• Their utility may be particularly relevant in addressing drug-resistant and persistent HCMV strains.