Decreasing herpes simplex viral infectivity in solution by surface-immobilized and suspended N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine.
OBJECTIVE
To explore surface-immobilized and suspended modalities of the hydrophobic polycation N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (DMPEI) for the ability to reduce viral infectivity in aqueous solutions containing herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) 1 and 2.


METHODS
Surface-immobilized (coated onto surfaces) and suspended DMPEI were incubated with aqueous solutions containing HSV-1 or -2 to measure the antiviral effect of the hydrophobic polycation's formulations on HSVs.


RESULTS
DMPEI coated on either polyethylene slides or male latex condoms dramatically decreases infectivity in solutions containing HSV-1 or -2. Moreover, DMPEI suspended in aqueous solution markedly reduces the infectious titer of these HSVs.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest potential uses of DMPEI for both prophylaxis (in the form of coated condoms) and treatment (as a topical suspension) for HSV infections.
Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA.
Alyssa M
AM
Larson
Hyung Suk
HS
Oh
David M
DM
Knipe
Alexander M
AM
Klibanov
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017280:Condoms / Q000821:virology; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013499:Surface Properties
D000998:Antiviral Agents; C525941:N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine; D011094:Polyethyleneimine