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Inhibition of Mayaro virus infection by bovine lactoferrin

Carlos A M Carvalho1, Ivanildo P Sousa2, Jerson L Silva1

  • 1Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.

Virology
|March 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) effectively inhibits Mayaro virus (MAYV) infection by blocking cellular entry. This study highlights bLf as a potential antiviral strategy against this emerging neotropical pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus causing debilitating febrile illness outbreaks in South America.
  • MAYV is transitioning to urban settings, posing a growing public health threat.
  • No effective antiviral treatments are currently available for MAYV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential antiviral activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) against Mayaro virus (MAYV).
  • To determine the mechanism by which bLf affects MAYV infection.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assessment of bLf's effect on MAYV infection.
  • Evaluation of bLf's impact on different stages of the viral life cycle.
  • Analysis of bLf's cellular binding mechanism, focusing on glycosaminoglycans.

Main Results:

  • Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) demonstrated significant inhibition of MAYV infection without causing cytotoxicity.
  • Virus entry into host cells was identified as the primary stage inhibited by bLf.
  • bLf binding to cells was dependent on sulfated glycosaminoglycans, indicating a blockade of these molecules.

Conclusions:

  • Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) exhibits potent antiviral properties against Mayaro virus (MAYV).
  • bLf interferes with MAYV cell entry by targeting cell-surface glycosaminoglycans.
  • bLf represents a promising therapeutic candidate for combating MAYV, an emerging neotropical pathogen.
Keywords:
Antiviral activityBovine lactoferrinMayaro virus

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