Suramin treatment reduces chikungunya pathogenesis in mice

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthritogenic alphavirus, has caused explosive epidemics involving millions of cases. Globally expanding pandemics involving CHIKV and post-CHIKV rheumatic disorders are increasing public health concerns. However, no antiviral interventions or vaccines to control CHIKV infection have yet been approved. Although suramin has been possess anti-CHIKV activity in vitro, whether suramin has anti-CHIKV activity in vivo remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether suramin treatment could ameliorate CHIKV-induced arthritis in a C57BL/6 mice model. C57BL/6 mice were infected with CHIKVs to evaluate anti-CHIKV activities of suramin in terms of histopathology, viral burden and disease score. Not only did suramin treatment substantially decrease viral loads, but it also significantly ameliorated acute foot lesions in mice. In addition, suramin treatment markedly restores cartilage integrity and reduces the number of IHC positive chondrocyte in mice infected with CHIKV strains 0810bTw and 0706aTw. This in vivo study highlights the potential ability of suramin to treat CHIKV infection in clinical settings.