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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.
Antiviral Research
|May 31, 2025
Summary
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.
