Inhibition of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) replication by HIV-1 gene expression inhibitors

Antiviral Res. 2009 Aug;83(2):201-4. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.011. Epub 2009 May 3.

Abstract

Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is persistently integrated into the host genomic DNA as a provirus and released from a variety of porcine cells. PERV infects a certain range of human cells, which is a major concern in xenotransplantation. Therefore, the use of viral gene expression inhibitors could be envisaged, if they reduce PERV production from porcine organs and minimize viral transmission to human recipients. In the present study, four HIV-1 gene expression inhibitors were examined for their inhibitory effect on PERV replication in porcine cells constitutively producing the virus. Among the compounds, the fluoroquinolone derivative K-37 and the bacterial product EM2487 displayed potent and selective inhibition of PERV replication in the cells mediated by the suppression of viral mRNA synthesis. Thus, retroviral gene expression inhibitors may be able to reduce the risk of PERV transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / drug effects*
  • Fluoroquinolones / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organophosphates / pharmacology*
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Swine
  • Uridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Uridine / pharmacology
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • EM 2487
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Organophosphates
  • Viral Proteins
  • fluoroquinoline K-37
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • Uridine