Studies on the effect of 9-(R, S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine on tick-borne encephalitis virus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant viral zoonosis.
• Development of effective antiviral therapies for TBE remains a priority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 9-(R, S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) adenine as a potential antiviral treatment for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus infection in a murine model.
• To assess the in vitro antiviral activity of the compound.

Main Methods:

• Mice were infected with TBE virus strains (Hypr and Ir13).
• Peroral administration of 9-(R, S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) adenine was performed at the time of infection and/or up to 2 days post-infection.
• In vitro haemagglutination inhibition assays were conducted using the Skalica strain.

Main Results:

• Peroral treatment with 9-(R, S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) adenine did not confer protection against TBE virus infection in mice.
• The compound demonstrated in vitro inhibition of the haemagglutination activity of the TBE virus Skalica strain.

Conclusions:

• 9-(R, S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) adenine is not effective in preventing TBE virus infection in vivo when administered around the time of infection.
• The compound exhibits some antiviral activity in vitro, suggesting potential for further investigation in different contexts or against specific viral mechanisms.