[Influence of polyelectrolytes on measles virus infectivity]

Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|September 15, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polyelectrolytes like polystyrolsulfonate (PSS) and polyallylamine (PAA) show potential as measles virus inhibitors. They disrupt viral protein structure, reducing infectious titers and offering new antiviral strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Measles virus poses a significant public health challenge.
  • Developing effective antiviral agents against measles is crucial.
  • Polyelectrolytes (PE) are being investigated for their potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of antiviral action of polystyrolsulfonate (PSS) and polyallylamine (PAA) against measles virus.
  • To determine the effect of PSS with varying polymerization degrees and PAA on measles virus infectivity.
  • To elucidate the interaction between PEs and measles virus surface proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Measles virus (Leningrad-16 strain) was used.
  • Virus infectious titers were determined after interaction with PSS (various polymerization degrees) and PAA using titration and cytopathogenic effect detection.
  • Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to analyze viral protein structure changes.

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction in measles virus infectious titers was observed with PSS (degree of polymerization 8) and PAA.
  • Analysis revealed that PEs damage the secondary structure of viral proteins.
  • PSS 8 interacts with viral proteins, disrupting alpha-helices and forming loops and tails.

Conclusions:

  • The studied polyelectrolytes demonstrate potential as antiviral preparations against measles virus.
  • Circular dichroism and protein fluorescence are effective methods for detecting viral protein structural damage by external agents.