Method for inhibiting Zika virus infection
Inventors
Tang, Hengli • Lee, Emily M. • Zheng, Wei • Huang, Ruili • Xu, Miao • HUANG, Wenwei • SHAMIM, Khalida • Ming, Guoli • Song, Hongjun
Assignees
Florida State University Research Foundation Inc • University of Pennsylvania Penn • US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-11878004-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-23
Expiration Date
2039-12-19
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Abstract
The present invention concerns the use of compounds and compositions for the treatment or prevention of Flavivirus infections, such as dengue virus infections and Zika virus infections. Aspects of the invention include methods for treating or preventing Flavivirus virus infection, such as dengue virus and Zika virus infection, by administering a compound or composition of the invention, to a subject in need thereof; methods for inhibiting Flavivirus infections, such as dengue virus and Zika virus infections, in a cell in vitro or in vivo; pharmaceutical compositions; packaged dosage formulations; and kits useful for treating or preventing Flavivirus infections, such as dengue virus and Zika virus infections.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns the use of specific compounds and compositions for treating or preventing Flavivirus infections, including dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infections. These compounds inhibit Flavivirus infection by blocking the production of the viral NS-1 protein, which is synthesized only during the flavivirus replication stage, thereby indicating inhibition of virus replication in human cells.
The problem being addressed is the lack of approved antiviral treatments for Flavivirus infections such as dengue and Zika, which currently only have supportive care options. Dengue virus infections can lead to severe illness, and Zika virus infections are linked to congenital defects and neurological syndromes. There is a critical need for effective antiviral therapies to treat or prevent these infections.
The invention provides methods for identifying and administering compounds that inhibit NS-1 production and flavivirus replication, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, packaged dosage forms, and kits for treating or preventing Flavivirus infections. The compounds were identified using a computational model and experimentally verified to be active and potent in blocking viral replication in human cells.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim focusing on a method for inhibiting Zika virus infection with a specifically defined compound.
Method for inhibiting Zika virus infection
The method comprises contacting a compound to human or non-human mammalian cells in vitro or in vivo after exposure to Zika virus, wherein the compound has a specifically defined chemical structure as depicted in the claim document.
The claims cover a method centered on using a specific compound to inhibit Zika virus infection in mammalian cells either in vitro or in vivo by contacting the infected cells with the compound after viral exposure.
Stated Advantages
The compounds inhibit NS-1 production, indicating inhibition of flavivirus replication in human cells.
The identified compounds show potent antiviral activity against both Zika virus and dengue virus.
The compounds can be used for both treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of flavivirus infections.
The invention allows administration by various routes including oral, nasal, rectal, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravascular.
Use of computational modeling enabled efficient identification of active compounds.
Documented Applications
Treatment or prevention of Flavivirus infections in human or non-human animal subjects, including Zika virus and dengue virus infections.
Inhibition of Flavivirus infection in human or non-human animal cells in vitro or in vivo.
Use of pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds for administration to subjects.
Use in packaged dosage formulations and kits for treating or preventing flavivirus infections.
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