In vitro inhibition of human influenza A virus replication by chloroquine.
Chloroquine is a 9-aminoquinolone with well-known anti-malarial effects. It has biochemical properties that could be applied to inhibit viral replication. We report here that chloroquine is able to inhibit influenza A virus replication, in vitro, and the IC50s of chloroquine against influenza A viruses H1N1 and H3N2 are lower than the plasma concentrations reached during treatment of acute malaria. The potential of chloroquine to be added to the limited range of anti-influenza drugs should be explored further, particularly since antiviral drugs play a vital role in influenza pandemic preparedness.
Ooi
Eng Eong
EE
Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, 27 Medical Drive, #09-01, 117510, Singapore. oengeong@dso.org.sg
Chew
Janet Seok Wei
JS
Loh
Jin Phang
JP
Chua
Robert C S
RC
D002738:Chloroquine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
D002738:Chloroquine