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Protective effect of 6-MFA, a fungal interferon inducer against Japanese encephalitis virus in bonnet macaques
S N Ghosh1, M K Goverdhan, P S Sathe
1National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Abstract:
6-MFA, an extract from the fungus Aspergillus ochraceus was administered to 8 bonnet macaques. An equal number of monkeys matched for age, sex and weight received placebo and served as controls. Twenty hours after the administration of the 6-MFA/placebo the monkeys were challenged with an Indian strain of Japanese encephalitis virus by the intranasal route. Signs and symptoms of the disease such as fever, tremors, loss of appetite, dehydration, flaccid paraplegia or quadriplegia were pronounced in all the control monkeys, while in the 6-MFA treated group only two developed symptoms. Virus could be isolated from only one of the 6-MFA treated monkeys on day 6, and from four control monkeys; one each from CSF, spinal cord, blood and from both nasal swab and blood of the fourth monkey. The appearance of HI and N antibodies in 6-MFA treated group was either delayed or completely suppressed. The results indicate that 6-MFA is a potential antiviral agent which can be used to reduce the morbidity and mortality in bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) experimentally infected with Japanese encephalitis virus.
Insights
6-MFA, an extract from Aspergillus ochraceus, significantly reduced Japanese encephalitis virus symptoms and viral load in bonnet macaques. This antiviral agent shows potential for reducing disease severity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in Asia.
- Current treatment options for JEV are limited, highlighting the need for novel antiviral therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of 6-MFA, an extract from Aspergillus ochraceus, against Japanese encephalitis virus in a primate model.
- To assess the impact of 6-MFA on JEV-induced clinical signs, viral replication, and host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) were administered 6-MFA or placebo, followed by intranasal challenge with JEV.
- Clinical signs, viral load (via virus isolation from various tissues and fluids), and antibody responses (HI and N antibodies) were monitored.
Main Results:
- 6-MFA treated macaques exhibited significantly reduced JEV-induced symptoms compared to controls.
- Virus isolation was successful in only one 6-MFA treated monkey, versus four control monkeys.
- Humoral immune responses, including HI and N antibodies, were delayed or suppressed in the 6-MFA group.
Conclusions:
- 6-MFA demonstrates potent antiviral activity against Japanese encephalitis virus in a bonnet macaque model.
- The findings suggest that 6-MFA can mitigate JEV-induced morbidity and mortality.
- 6-MFA represents a promising candidate for further development as an antiviral therapeutic for Japanese encephalitis.
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