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Updated: May 9, 2026
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
The antimicrobial agent C31G is effective for therapy for HSV-1 ocular keratitis in the rabbit eye model
James M Hill1, Ethan M Stern, Partha S Bhattacharjee
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), Department of Ophthalmology, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Department of Microbiology, LSUHSC, United States; Neuroscience Center, LSUHSC, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Department of Pharmacology, LSUHSC, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
Abstract:
The amphoteric C31G solution contains equimolar alkyl dimethlyglycine and alkyl dimethyl amine oxide buffered with citric acid. C31G acts as a broad spectrum antiviral and an antibacterial. No previous in vivo studies have been done to test C31G in an animal model of HSV-1 ocular keratitis. We assessed the anti-herpetic activity of C31G in the rabbit eye model using three treatment groups: (1) 1% trifluorothymidine (TFT); (2) 0.25% C31G plus 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); and (3) vehicle, 0.5% HPMC. Scarified rabbit corneas were inoculated with the HSV-1 strain McKrae. On post inoculation (PI) day 3, rabbits were placed in three balanced groups based on slit-lamp examination (SLE) scores. Treatment began on PI day 3, five times a day for five consecutive days. In addition to the daily, masked SLE scoring, the eyes were assessed daily for stromal opacity, scleral inflammation, neovascularization, eyelid inflammation, inflammatory discharge, and epiphora. C31G and TFT were very effective in reducing the lesions and pathogenesis associated with HSV-1 ocular keratitis. The vehicle control scores were significantly higher and did not effectively treat HSV-1 keratitis. C31G has the potential to be used to treat herpetic keratitis as well as other herpetic topical lesions in humans.
Insights
C31G demonstrated significant anti-herpetic activity in a rabbit model of HSV-1 ocular keratitis. This broad-spectrum antiviral agent effectively reduced lesions and pathogenesis, showing potential for treating herpetic eye infections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Herpetic keratitis, caused by HSV-1, is a leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide.
- Current treatments for HSV-1 ocular keratitis have limitations and can lead to resistance.
- C31G is an amphoteric surfactant with known broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of C31G in an in vivo animal model of HSV-1 ocular keratitis.
- To compare the therapeutic effect of C31G with trifluorothymidine (TFT) and a vehicle control.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of HSV-1 ocular keratitis was established using the McKrae strain.
- Rabbits were treated with 0.25% C31G, 1% TFT, or a vehicle control (0.5% HPMC).
- Treatment was administered five times daily for five consecutive days, starting on post-inoculation day 3. Ocular assessments included slit-lamp examination, stromal opacity, neovascularization, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Both C31G and TFT significantly reduced HSV-1-induced lesions and ocular pathogenesis compared to the vehicle control.
- The vehicle control group showed significantly higher disease scores, indicating a lack of therapeutic effect.
- C31G demonstrated comparable efficacy to TFT in managing herpetic keratitis in this model.
Conclusions:
- C31G exhibits potent anti-herpetic activity against HSV-1 ocular keratitis in a rabbit model.
- C31G represents a promising therapeutic agent for herpetic keratitis and other topical herpetic lesions in humans.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of C31G for human use.
