Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus
Published on: October 11, 2013
Closantel, an FDA-approved veterinary drug, suppresses PEDV replication via targeting main protease
Lei Zhang1, Zhuoya Wang2, Feng Xu3
1Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, PR China.
Abstract:
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) continues to pose a global threat to the swine industry, causing fatal neonatal diarrhea with a mortality rate approaching 100%. Currently, no effective targeted drugs have been approved. The coronavirus main protease (Mpro), a conserved enzyme essential for viral replication, represents a promising target for antiviral development. Here, we demonstrate that Closantel, an FDA-approved veterinary drug, acts as a potent pan-coronavirus Mpro inhibitor via enzymatic inhibition assays. Moreover, Closantel potently suppresses PEDV replication in Vero-E6 and IPEC-J2 cells, with EC50 values of 1.49 ± 0.38 μM and 4.32 ± 0.53 μM, respectively, and exhibits minimal cytotoxicity. Remarkably, Closantel triggers interferon secretion and activates JAK-STAT signaling pathways via phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, establishing a dual antiviral mechanism. In summary, Closantel holds promise as a potential lead compound for developing targeted therapies against PEDV infection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anthelminthic Agents
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions
Subviral Agents
Antifungal Agents
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis

