title: Interferon alfacon1 is an inhibitor of SARS-corona virus in cell-based models.
abstract: Preliminary data examining interferon alfacon1 treatment of SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus)-infected patients suggests this therapy is well tolerated and of therapeutic benefit. We report herein that interferon alfacon1, has potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV. In a cytopathic effect protection (CPE) assay, interferon alfacon1 inhibited the generation of CPE in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.001 microg/ml, a clinically achievable level. Furthermore, interferon alfacon1 also demonstrated significant antiviral activity in yield reduction and plaque reduction assays. The in vitro antiviral activity of interferon alfacon1 against SARS-CoV suggests continued evaluation of interferon alfacon1 as a therapeutic treatment for patients infected with SARS-CoV.
authors.affiliation: Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5011, USA. Jason.paragas@det.amedd.army.mil
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paragas
authors.forename: Lawrence M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Blatt
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Huggins
authors.forename: Tim P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Endy
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008954:Models, Biological; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D045473:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C050739:interferon alfacon-1