Inhibition of influenza A virus replication by a marine derived quinolone alkaloid targeting virus nucleoprotein

Owing to the emergence of drug resistance and high morbidity and mortality, the need for novel anti-influenza A virus (IAV) drugs with divergent targets is highly sought after. Herein, a novel quinolone alkaloid (QLA) derived from marine fungus was discovered with broad-spectrum anti-IAV activities with low toxicity. Distinct from current anti-IAV drugs, QLA may block virus replication and viral RNA (vRNA) export from the nucleus by targeting virus nucleoprotein (NP). QLA can block the binding of chromosome region maintenance 1 to nuclear export signal 3 of NP to inhibit the nuclear export of NP and vRNP. QLA may also affect vRNP assembly by interfering with the binding of NP to RNA rather than NP oligomerization. Arg305 and Phe488-Gly490 may be required for the interaction between QLA and NP, and the binding pocket around these amino acids may be a promising target for anti-IAV drugs. Importantly, oral administration of QLA can protect the mice against IAV-induced death and weight loss, superior to the effects of the clinical drug oseltamivir. In summary, the marine derived compound QLA has the potential to be developed into a novel anti-IAV agent targeting virus NP protein in the future.