Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Vaccinia Reporter Viruses for Quantifying Viral Function at All Stages of Gene Expression
Published on: May 15, 2014
Suppression of poxvirus replication by SC144
Anil Pant1, Djamal Brahim Belhaouari1, Lara Dsouza1
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Poxviruses are a significant threat to the health of human and economically important animals. Although smallpox, one of the most devastating infectious diseases, is eradicated, the rapid rise of mpox and other poxviral diseases call for the development of antivirals. Here, we show that SC144, a reported small molecule inhibitor of cellular gp130 pathway, suppresses the replication of monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses in cultured cells. Interestingly, SC144 likely suppresses vaccinia virus replication independent of gp130. We further show that this suppression of poxvirus replication is achieved by inhibiting viral DNA replication. With EC50 in sub-micromolar range and CC50 of over 250 μM, SC144 is potent and selective, making it a promising candidate for further development as an antiviral against poxviruses.
Insights
SC144, a novel antiviral, effectively inhibits poxvirus replication, including monkeypox and vaccinia virus, by targeting viral DNA synthesis. This potent and selective compound shows promise for treating poxviral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Antiviral drug discovery
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Poxviruses pose significant threats to human and animal health.
- Emerging poxviral diseases like mpox necessitate new antiviral therapies.
- Smallpox is eradicated, but other poxviruses remain a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral potential of SC144 against poxviruses.
- To determine the mechanism of SC144's action on viral replication.
- To assess the potency and selectivity of SC144 as an antiviral candidate.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture experiments to assess viral replication.
- Treatment of cells with SC144 against monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
- Analysis of viral DNA replication inhibition.
- Determination of EC50 and CC50 values for SC144.
Main Results:
- SC144 suppressed replication of monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
- SC144 inhibited poxvirus DNA replication.
- SC144 demonstrated sub-micromolar EC50 and high CC50 (>250 μM), indicating potency and selectivity.
- SC144's suppression of vaccinia virus replication may be independent of the gp130 pathway.
Conclusions:
- SC144 is a potent and selective inhibitor of poxvirus replication.
- SC144 acts by inhibiting viral DNA replication.
- SC144 is a promising candidate for developing new antiviral treatments against poxviruses.
