Maribavir inhibits Epstein-Barr virus transcription through the EBV protein kinase

J Virol. 2013 May;87(9):5311-5. doi: 10.1128/JVI.03505-12. Epub 2013 Feb 28.

Abstract

Maribavir (MBV) inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication and the enzymatic activity of the viral protein kinase BGLF4. MBV also inhibits expression of multiple EBV transcripts during EBV lytic infection. Here we demonstrate, with the use of a BGLF4 knockout virus, that effects of MBV on transcription take place primarily through inhibition of BGLF4. MBV inhibits viral genome copy numbers and infectivity to levels similar to and exceeding levels produced by BGLF4 knockout virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / drug effects*
  • Genome, Viral / drug effects
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / drug effects*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleosides / pharmacology*
  • Viral Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Ribonucleosides
  • Viral Proteins
  • BGLF4 protein, Epstein-Barr virus
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • maribavir