Inactivation of HSV-2 by ascorbate-Cu(II) and its protecting evaluation in CF-1 mice against encephalitis.
Ascorbate is an important antioxidant. However, in the presence of transition metals such as Cu(II) or Fe(III), it also has pro-oxidant capabilities. The effect of ascorbate-Cu(II) in the in vitro infection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and its protecting effect in a murine model was investigated. HSV-2 was treated with different concentrations of ascorbate in the presence of Cu(II). A group of CF-1 mice were treated with the inactivated virus and other treated with maintenance medium containing only ascorbate-Cu(II). Weeks later, mice were challenged intranasally with infectious viruses. HSV-2 was completely inactivated by 2mM ascorbate plus 1mM Cu(II). Ascorbate or Cu(II) alone did not inactivate the virus. Compared with the control group, 60% of the immunized animals did not show any sign of encephalitis and survived the herpes virus infection, while a 7% survival rate was observed in the control group (P = 0.056). We concluded that the in vitro treatment of HSV-2 with ascorbate-Cu(II) is not only able to inactivate the virus, but also suggested that the viral particles induced a protective response against herpes encephalitis. This inactivation may provide an alternative method to develop new agents therapeutics.
Betanzos-Cabrera
Gabriel
G
Area Académica de Nutrición, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Abasolo 600 Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo 42000, Mexico. gbetanzo@ipn.mx
Ramírez
Francisco J
FJ
Muñoz
José L
JL
Barrón
Blanca L
BL
Maldonado
Rogelio
R
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D022283:Herpesvirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D014709:Vero Cells; D038301:Virus Inactivation
D022283:Herpesvirus Vaccines; D003300:Copper; D001205:Ascorbic Acid