Enhancement of the anti-herpetic effect of trichosanthin by acyclovir and interferon

• Published in: FEBS letters Vol. 496; no. 2; pp. 139 - 142
• Main Authors: Zheng, Y.T., Chan, W.L., Chan, P., Huang, H., Tam, S.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 11.05.2001
• Subjects: ACV, acyclovir; Acyclovir; Acyclovir - pharmacology; Animals; Anti-HIV Agents - pharmacology; Anti-viral; Antiviral Agents - pharmacology; Cell Division - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cercopithecus aethiops; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Herpes simplex virus; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; HSV, herpes simplex virus; INF, interferon; Interferon; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha - pharmacology; Interferons - pharmacology; Recombinant Proteins; Ribosome-inactivating protein; RIP, ribosome-inactivating protein; Simplexvirus - metabolism; TCS, trichosanthin; TI, therapeutic index; Trichosanthin; Trichosanthin - pharmacology; Vero Cells; Anti-viral; TCS, trichosanthin; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; TI, therapeutic index; ACV, acyclovir; Acyclovir; Trichosanthin; Herpes simplex virus; Ribosome-inactivating protein; HSV, herpes simplex virus; RIP, ribosome-inactivating protein; Interferon; INF, interferon
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/S0014-5793(01)02391-2

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a type I ribosome-inactivating protein that has a wide range of pharmacological activities. The present study investigated the effectiveness of TCS on herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). The anti-viral activity and toxicity of TCS on Vero cells were measured. Results showed that the ED 50, TD 50 and the therapeutic indices were 38.5, 416.5 and 10.9 μg/ml, respectively. Anti-viral activity of TCS was substantially potentiated when it was used in conjunction with other anti-viral agents. The ED 50 of TCS was reduced 125-fold by acyclovir at a concentration of 0.001 μg/ml, which was practically devoid of significant anti-viral activity. Similarly, the ED 50 of TCS was reduced 100-fold by interferon-α2a at a concentration of 100 IU/ml. In conclusion, TCS is effective against HSV-1 and other anti-viral agents such as acyclovir or interferon can potentiate its action substantially.