Iota-Carrageenan is a potent inhibitor of rhinovirus infection.
BACKGROUND
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the predominant cause of common cold. In addition, HRVs are implicated in the worsening of COPD and asthma, as well as the loss of lung transplants. Despite significant efforts, no anti-viral agent is approved for the prevention or treatment of HRV-infection.


RESULTS
In this study we demonstrate that Iota-Carrageenan, a sulphated polysaccharide derived from red seaweed, is a potent anti-rhinoviral substance in-vitro. Iota-Carrageenan reduces HRV growth and inhibits the virus induced cythopathic effect of infected HeLa cells. In addition, Iota-Carrageenan effectively prevents the replication of HRV1A, HRV2, HRV8, HRV14, HRV16, HRV83 and HRV84 in primary human nasal epithelial cells in culture. The data suggest that Iota-Carrageenan acts primarily by preventing the binding or the entry of virions into the cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Since HRV infections predominately occur in the nasal cavity and the upper respiratory tract, a targeted treatment with a product containing Iota-Carrageenan is conceivable. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether Iota-Carrageenan-based products are effective in the treatment or prophylaxis of HRV infections.
Grassauer
Andreas
A
Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH, Veterinaerplatz 1/HA, A-1210 Vienna, Austria. andreas.grassauer@marinomed.com
Weinmuellner
Regina
R
Meier
Christiane
C
Pretsch
Alexander
A
Prieschl-Grassauer
Eva
E
Unger
Hermann
H
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002351:Carrageenan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000821:virology; D012229:Rhinovirus / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D002351:Carrageenan