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Inhibition of multiplication of the prototypic arenavirus LCMV by valproic acid

Ángela Vázquez-Calvo1, Miguel A Martín-Acebes, Juan-Carlos Sáiz

  • 1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.

Antiviral Research
|June 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Valproic acid inhibits the spread of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) by affecting virus release, not synthesis. This suggests repurposing valproic acid as a potential antiviral for arenavirus infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Drug Repurposing
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Valproic acid (VPA) is a anticonvulsant drug with known antiviral properties against enveloped viruses.
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a prototypic arenavirus that causes significant disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which VPA inhibits LCMV multiplication in cell cultures.
  • To evaluate VPA as a potential antiviral agent against arenavirus infections.

Main Methods:

  • Cell culture experiments were performed to assess LCMV replication.
  • Viral RNA and protein synthesis were measured.
  • Virus release and infectivity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • VPA treatment reduced infectious LCMV progeny and virus propagation.
  • VPA did not significantly inhibit viral RNA or protein synthesis.
  • VPA affected the release and specific infectivity of LCMV from infected cells.

Conclusions:

  • VPA's antiviral effect on LCMV is mediated by influencing virus release and infectivity.
  • VPA shows promise as a candidate antiviral drug for treating arenavirus infections.
Keywords:
AntiviralBuddingLCMVValproic acid

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