Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
09:29

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds

Published on: October 29, 2015

31.0K

Repositioning of anti-viral drugs as therapy for cervical cancer

Sapna Sharma1, Ruma Baksi2, Milee Agarwal3

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NIPER-Ahmedabad, C/o B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development (PERD) Centre, Thaltej, Thaltej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad 380054, Gujarat, India.

Pharmacological Reports : PR
|July 6, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ribavirin and Indinavir show promise in fighting HPV-18 cervical cancer by inhibiting eIF4E. These drugs reduced cancer cell viability and tumor growth in preclinical studies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) oncogenic proteins increase Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) expression, contributing to HPV-induced carcinogenesis.
  • eIF4E plays a critical role in the development of HPV-related cancers.
  • Ribavirin and Indinavir are known inhibitors of eIF4E activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of Ribavirin and Indinavir against HPV-18 induced cervical cancer.
  • To assess the effects of Ribavirin and Indinavir on cancer cell viability, apoptosis, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion.
  • To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Ribavirin in reducing tumor volume.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays on HeLa cells: MTT and Neutral red assays for cell viability, Caspase activity assays for apoptosis, and Gelatinase activity assays for MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion.
  • In vivo study using human xenografts in immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice to assess Ribavirin's effect on tumor volume.

Main Results:

  • Ribavirin and Indinavir demonstrated significant reduction in HeLa cell viability in vitro.
  • Both drugs induced apoptosis and decreased MMP secretion in vitro.
  • Daily treatment with Ribavirin (50mg/kg and 100mg/kg) resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volume in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • Ribavirin and Indinavir exhibit anti-cancer properties against HPV-18.
  • These drugs can be considered as potential therapeutic agents for HPV-18 induced cervical cancer.
Keywords:
HPVHeLaIndinavirRibavirin

More Related Videos

Use of Viral Entry Assays and Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Antiviral Candidates against Coxsackievirus A1606:03

Use of Viral Entry Assays and Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Antiviral Candidates against Coxsackievirus A16

Published on: July 15, 2019

8.5K
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

10.4K

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
50.3K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.6K
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
7.2K
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

3.0K
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.3K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.1K