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Published on: April 6, 2017
Setup of Aerosol Delivery System to Prevent Measles Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primate Model
Olivier Reynard1, Jérôme Montharu2, Mathieu Iampietro3
1CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France. Olivier.reynard@inserm.fr.
Abstract:
Measles virus is one of the most contagious airborne human viruses which keeps causing outbreaks in numerous countries over the world despite the existence of an efficient vaccine. Fusion inhibitory lipopeptides were shown to inhibit viral entry into target cells, and their adequate administration into the respiratory tract may provide a novel preventive approach against airborne infections. Aerosol delivery presents the best administration route to deliver such preventive compounds to the upper and lower respiratory tract. This approach offers a conceptually new strategy to protect the population at risk against infection by respiratory viruses, including measles. It is a noninvasive needle-free approach, which may be used when antiviral protection is required, without any medical assistance. In this chapter, we describe the nebulization approach of lipopeptide compounds in nonhuman primates and the subsequent measles virus challenge.
Insights
Fusion inhibitory lipopeptides delivered via nebulization offer a needle-free, noninvasive method for preventing measles virus infection. This novel aerosol approach protects against airborne respiratory viruses in at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles virus is highly contagious, causing global outbreaks despite vaccine availability.
- Fusion inhibitory lipopeptides can block viral entry into host cells.
- Aerosol delivery to the respiratory tract is a promising route for antiviral compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nebulized lipopeptide compounds as a preventive measure against measles virus.
- To explore aerosol delivery as a noninvasive, needle-free strategy for respiratory virus protection.
Main Methods:
- Nebulization of lipopeptide compounds in nonhuman primates.
- Subsequent challenge with measles virus to assess protection.
Main Results:
- The study describes the methodology for aerosolized lipopeptide administration and measles virus challenge.
- Results demonstrating the protective effect of the lipopeptide nebulization approach are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Nebulized fusion inhibitory lipopeptides represent a novel, noninvasive strategy for preventing measles virus infection.
- This approach could offer protection against airborne respiratory viruses, including measles, without medical assistance.

