Novel Polymyxin-Inspired Peptidomimetics Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:hACE2 Interface.

Though the bulk of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind, the search for effective and safe anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs continues to be relevant. A highly pursued approach for antiviral drug development involves targeting the viral spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 to prevent its attachment to the cellular receptor ACE2. Here, we exploited the core structure of polymyxin B, a naturally occurring antibiotic, to design and synthesize unprecedented peptidomimetics (PMs), intended to target contemporarily two defined, non-overlapping regions of the S receptor-binding domain (RBD).

Visualising SARS-CoV-2 infection of the lung in deceased COVID-19 patients.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. Several negative-sense SARS-CoV-2 RNA species, both full-length genomic and subgenomic, are produced transiently during viral replication. Methodologies for rigorously characterising cell tropism and visualising ongoing viral replication at single-cell resolution in histological sections are needed to assess the virological and pathological phenotypes of future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Cellular electrical impedance to profile SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors and to assess the fusogenic potential of spike mutants.

Despite the vaccination campaigns for COVID-19, we still cannot control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, as evidenced by the ongoing circulation of the Omicron variants of concern. This highlights the need for broad-spectrum antivirals to further combat COVID-19 and to be prepared for a new pandemic with a (re-)emerging coronavirus. An interesting target for antiviral drug development is the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, a crucial early step in the replication cycle of coronaviruses.

Design and synthesis of a new series of hybrids of functionalised N-[(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]quinazoline-2,4-dione with antiviral activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

In this study, a series of 48 hybrids of the functionalised 1-[(1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl)methyl]quinazoline-2,4-dione 17-22 were synthesised and evaluated for potential antiviral activity. The new hybrids were designed to contain a diethoxyphosphoryl group connected to the triazole moiety via ethylene or propylene linker, and in which the benzyl or benzoyl function is substituted at N3 in the quinazoline-2,4-dione moiety. The Cu(I)-catalyzed Hüisgen dipolar cycloaddition of azidophosphonates 23 and 24 with the respective N-propargylquinazoline-2,4-diones 26aa-26ag, 26ba-26bg, 27aa-27ad and 27ba-27bd was applied for the syntheses of the designed compounds.

Synthesis and evaluation of 3-alkynyl-5-aryl-7-aza-indoles as broad-spectrum antiviral agents.

RNA viral infections, including those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Venezuelan Equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), pose a major global health challenge. Here, we report the synthesis and screening of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-]pyridines targeting RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and/or VEEV. From this campaign, a series of lead compounds was generated that demonstrated antiviral activity in the low single-digit micromolar range against the various viruses and did not show cytotoxicity.

Carbohydrate-binding protein from stinging nettle as fusion inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

agglutinin (UDA) is a carbohydrate-binding small monomeric protein isolated from stinging nettle rhizomes. It inhibits replication of a broad range of viruses, including coronaviruses, in multiple cell types, with appealing selectivity. In this work, we investigated the potential of UDA as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 Permissive glioblastoma cell line for high throughput antiviral screening.

Despite the great success of the administered vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus can still spread, as evidenced by the current circulation of the highly contagious Omicron variant. This emphasizes the additional need to develop effective antiviral countermeasures. In the context of early preclinical studies for antiviral assessment, robust cellular infection systems are required to screen drug libraries.

Intracellular flow cytometry complements RT-qPCR detection of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Basic and antiviral research on SARS-CoV-2 rely on cellular assays of virus replication . In addition, accurate detection of virus-infected cells and released virus particles is needed to study virus replication and to profile new candidate antiviral drugs. Here, by flow cytometry, we detect SARS-CoV-2 infection at single cell level and distinguish infected Vero E6 cells from uninfected bystander cells.

Exploration of the virome of the European brown shrimp ().

is economically a very important species. Recently, promising culture attempts have been made, but a major problem is the uncontrollable mortality during the grow-out phase. As of yet, the life cycle of is not closed in captivity so wild-caught individuals are used for further rearing.

A unique class of lignin derivatives displays broad anti-HIV activity by interacting with the viral envelope.

In Gordts et al. (2015), we have shown that lignosulfonic acid, a commercially available lignin derivative, possesses broad antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) by preventing viral entry into susceptible target cells. Because of the interesting safety profile as potential microbicide, we now determined the antiviral activity of a series of lignosulfonates in order to understand better which molecular features can contribute to their antiviral activity.

Gut Virome Analysis of Cameroonians Reveals High Diversity of Enteric Viruses, Including Potential Interspecies Transmitted Viruses.

Diarrhea remains one of the most common causes of deaths in children. A limited number of studies have investigated the prevalence of enteric pathogens in Cameroon, and as in many other African countries, the cause of many diarrheal episodes remains unexplained. A proportion of these unknown cases of diarrhea are likely caused by yet-unidentified viral agents, some of which could be the result of (recent) interspecies transmission from animal reservoirs, like bats.

Cameroonian fruit bats harbor divergent viruses, including rotavirus H, bastroviruses, and picobirnaviruses using an alternative genetic code.

Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from wildlife and bats are a major reservoir of viruses, a few of which have been highly pathogenic to humans. In some regions of Cameroon, bats are hunted and eaten as a delicacy. This close proximity between human and bats provides ample opportunity for zoonotic events.