BMS-265246, a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor, Inhibits the Infection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Fluorescent octahydrophenazines as novel inhibitors against herpes simplex viruses

A new series of racemic fluorescent octahydrophenazines (rac-PZ1-11) have been designed and synthesized via the efficient nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of tetrafluorobenzenedinitriles (1a-c) and racemic cyclohexane-1,2-diamines (rac-2a and b). The bioactivities of these racemic rac-PZs (20 μM) against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) were evaluated by the relative cell viability of Vero cells infected with HSV-1. It was found that rac-PZ3 shows much higher anti-HSV-1 activity than others, with EC50 = 9.2 ± 1.4 μM. Further investigation into the anti-HSV activities of rac-PZ3 and its enantiomers RR- and SS-PZ3 indicates that rac-PZ3 can also efficiently inhibit HSV-2 and even ACV-resistant HSV-2 (EC50 = 11.0 ± 2.3 and 14.9 ± 2.8 μM, respectively), SS-PZ3 has better activities against HSV-1, HSV-2 and ACV-resistant HSV-2 (EC50 = 4.1 ± 1.1, 5.8 ± 1.0 and 7.9 ± 1.2 μM, respectively), but RR-PZ3 has almost no antiviral activities. The primary mechanism study indicates that rac-PZ3 efficiently reverses the HSV-1/2-induced cytopathic effect and suppresses the expression of viral mRNA and proteins. In addition, rac-, RR- and SS-PZ3 possess excellent fluorescence properties with almost the same emission wavelength and high fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF = 90.3-92.3 % in cyclohexane solutions and 54.4-57.3 % in solids) and can target endoplasmic reticulum and cell membrane. The efficient anti-HSV bioactivities and excellent fluorescence of PZ3 prove its potential applications in antiviral therapy and biological imaging.

Herpes simplex keratitis: A brief clinical overview

The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment options, management, and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can affect several tissues, including the cornea. One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea. After the initial infection, the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion, a nerve cluster near the eye. The virus may remain dormant for extended periods. Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur, leading to recurrent episodes of HSK. Factors triggering reactivation include stress, illness, immunosuppression, or trauma. Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns, ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease. The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals. Severe cases of HSK, especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring, can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases. The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision, and scarring can compromise this, potentially leading to visual impairment. The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization. Antiviral medications, such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir, may be prescribed for prophylaxis. The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage. Inflammation, caused by the body's attempt to control the infection, may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues. Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation. In summary, the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.

Anti-herpes simplex virus activities and mechanisms of marine derived compounds

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most widely prevalent herpes virus worldwide, and the herpetic encephalitis and genital herpes caused by HSV infection have caused serious harm to human health all over the world. Although many anti-HSV drugs such as nucleoside analogues have been ap-proved for clinical use during the past few decades, important issues, such as drug resistance, toxicity, and high cost of drugs, remain unresolved. Recently, the studies on the anti-HSV activities of marine natural products, such as marine polysaccharides, marine peptides and microbial secondary metabolites are attracting more and more attention all over the world. This review discusses the recent progress in research on the anti-HSV activities of these natural compounds obtained from marine organisms, relating to their structural features and the structure-activity relationships. In addition, the recent findings on the different anti-HSV mechanisms and molecular targets of marine compounds and their potential for therapeutic application will also be summarized in detail.