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Updated: May 2, 2026
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Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
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Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonate Prodrug LAVR-289 Inhibits Marek's Disease Virus Replication
Chloé Styranec1, Vincent Roy2, Luigi A Agrofoglio2
1INRAE, UMR1282 ISP, Equipe Biologie des Virus Aviaires, NOUZILLY 37380, France.
ACS Infectious Diseases
|May 1, 2026
Summary
LAVR-289 effectively inhibits Marek
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Antiviral Drug Development
Background:
- Limited veterinary antivirals due to poor bioavailability and toxicity.
- Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes fatal lymphoproliferative disease in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral potential of LAVR-289 against Marek's disease virus (MDV) in avian cell culture models.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of LAVR-289 as a potential treatment for MDV infections.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct avian cell culture infection models to evaluate LAVR-289.
- Assessed viral replication, plaque formation, and cytotoxicity at various stages of infection.
Main Results:
- LAVR-289 demonstrated potent inhibition of MDV replication at nanomolar concentrations.
- A significant reduction in the number and size of virus-induced plaques was observed.
- LAVR-289 exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and was effective at both early and late infection stages.
Conclusions:
- LAVR-289 is a promising antiviral agent against MDV, showing potent efficacy and low toxicity.
- The drug's effectiveness at physiological oxygen levels suggests potential for in vivo application.
- LAVR-289 may also be effective against other avian DNA viruses, broadening its therapeutic potential.
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