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Ginkgolic Acid Inhibits Coronavirus Strain 229E Infection of Human Epithelial Lung Cells

Maimoona S Bhutta1, Daniel G Sausen1, Elisa S Gallo2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Ginkgolic Acid (GA) shows potent antiviral activity against Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) by reducing viral production and effects. This pan-antiviral compound holds promise for treating SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitates effective antiviral treatments due to evolving viral mutations impacting vaccine efficacy.
  • Ginkgolic Acid (GA) is a known pan-antiviral compound with demonstrated efficacy against various viruses.
  • Previous research established GA's ability to inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and broad-spectrum fusion proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antiviral activity of Ginkgolic Acid (GA) against Human Coronavirus strain 229E (HCoV-229E).
  • To assess GA's potential as a therapeutic agent for SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.

Main Methods:

  • Human epithelial lung cells (MRC-5) were infected with HCoV-229E.
  • Cells were treated with Ginkgolic Acid (GA) at various stages of infection.
  • Antiviral effects were evaluated by measuring progeny virus production, viral protein expression, and cytopathic effects (CPE).

Main Results:

  • Ginkgolic Acid (GA) significantly reduced progeny virus production in HCoV-229E infected cells.
  • GA treatment led to decreased expression of viral proteins and mitigated cytopathic effects (CPE).
  • GA demonstrated potent antiviral activity even when administered post-infection.

Conclusions:

  • Ginkgolic Acid (GA) exhibits significant antiviral activity against HCoV-229E.
  • GA's broad-spectrum antiviral properties suggest its potential as a therapeutic candidate for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Further research into GA as a treatment for coronavirus infections is warranted.
Keywords:
HCoV-229Eantiviralcoronavirusfusion inhibitorginkgolic acid

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