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Targeting Host PIM Protein Kinases Reduces Mayaro Virus Replication

Madelaine Sugasti-Salazar1,2, Dalkiria Campos1, Patricia Valdés-Torres1

  • 1Grupo de Biología Celular y Molecular de Arbovirus, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama.

Viruses
|February 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

PIM kinase inhibition partially prevents Mayaro virus (MAYV) replication and reduces viral load in arbovirus infections. This suggests PIM kinases are potential antiviral targets for MAYV and other arboviruses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Mayaro virus (MAYV) replicates by manipulating host cell machinery.
  • Identifying host factors in viral replication can reveal antiviral targets.
  • PIM kinases are enzymes involved in cell functions and viral replication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of PIM kinase inhibition on MAYV replication.
  • To explore PIM kinase inhibition as a potential antiviral strategy against MAYV and other arboviruses.

Main Methods:

  • MAYV, Chikungunya, Una, and Zika virus-infected cells were treated with PIM kinase inhibitors.
  • Cytopathic effects were assessed using microscopy.
  • Viral titers were determined by plaque-forming assays.
  • Viral protein expression (E1, nsP1) was analyzed via immunofluorescence and Western blot.

Main Results:

  • PIM kinase inhibition partially reduced MAYV-induced cell damage.
  • Viral titers decreased for MAYV, Una virus (UNAV), and Zika virus (ZIKV).
  • Inhibition was effective even at 8 hours post-infection (hpi) across MAYV strains.
  • PIM kinase inhibition suppressed MAYV E1 and nsP1 protein expression.

Conclusions:

  • PIM kinases play a role in MAYV replication.
  • PIM kinase inhibition demonstrates antiviral potential against MAYV and other arboviruses.
  • PIM kinases represent a promising antiviral target for arboviral infections.
Keywords:
MayaroPIM kinasesUnaZikaantiviral effecthost factorsinhibition

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