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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
High-Resolution 3D Imaging of Rabies Virus Infection in Solvent-Cleared Brain Tissue
Published on: April 30, 2019
Molecular Engineering of AIE Photosensitizers for Inactivation of Rabies Virus
Yujie Bai1, Eric Y Yu2, Yongsai Liu1
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
Abstract:
Rabies is a zoonotic neurological disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) that is fatal to humans and animals. While several post-infection treatment have been suggested, developing more efficient and innovative antiviral methods are necessary due to the limitations of current therapeutic approaches. To address this challenge, a strategy combining photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, using a photosensitizer (TPA-Py-PhMe) with high type I and type II reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability is proposed. This approach can inactivate the RABV by killing the virus directly and activating the immune response. At the cellular level, TPA-Py-PhMe can reduce the virus titer under preinfection prophylaxis and postinfection treatment, with its antiviral effect mainly dependent on ROS and pro-inflammatory factors. Intriguingly, when mice are injected with TPA-Py-PhMe and exposed to white light irradiation at three days post-infection, the onset of disease is delayed, and survival rates improved to some extent. Overall, this study shows that photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy open new avenues for future antiviral research.
Insights
This study introduces a novel dual photodynamic and immunotherapy approach to combat rabies virus (RABV). The treatment shows promise in reducing viral load and improving survival rates in infected mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Rabies virus (RABV) causes a fatal zoonotic neurological disease.
- Current post-infection treatments for rabies have limitations, necessitating innovative antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore a combined photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy strategy for rabies treatment.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel photosensitizer, TPA-Py-PhMe, against RABV.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TPA-Py-PhMe, a photosensitizer with high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (Type I and II).
- Assessed antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo (mice models) under photodynamic and immune stimulation conditions.
Main Results:
- TPA-Py-PhMe reduced RABV titers in cellular assays under both prophylactic and post-infection treatment.
- Antiviral activity was primarily mediated by ROS and pro-inflammatory factors.
- In mice, treatment delayed disease onset and improved survival rates when administered three days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy combined with immunotherapy presents a promising new avenue for rabies treatment.
- The TPA-Py-PhMe photosensitizer demonstrates significant potential for future antiviral research against RABV.
