CNS activity of Pokeweed Anti-viral Protein (PAP) in mice infected with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)

• Main Authors: Tibbles Heather E, Vassilev Alexei O, Rustamova Larisa, Uckun Fatih M, Petkevich Alexander S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2005-02-01
• Series: BMC Infectious Diseases
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/5/9

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Others and we have previously described the potent <it>in vivo </it>and <it>in vitro </it>activity of the broad-spectrum antiviral agent PAP (Pokeweed antiviral protein) against a wide range of viruses. The purpose of the present study was to further elucidate the anti-viral spectrum of PAP by examining its effects on the survival of mice challenged with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the therapeutic effect of PAP in CBA mice inoculated with intracerebral injections of the WE54 strain of LCMV at a 1000 PFU dose level that is lethal to 100% of mice within 7–9 days. Mice were treated either with vehicle or PAP administered intraperitoneally 24 hours prior to, 1 hour prior to and 24 hours, 48 hours 72 hours and 96 hours after virus inoculation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>PAP exhibits significant <it>in vivo </it>anti- LCMV activity in mice challenged intracerebrally with an otherwise invariably fatal dose of LCMV. At non-toxic dose levels, PAP significantly prolonged survival in the absence of the majority of disease-associated symptoms. The median survival time of PAP-treated mice was >21 days as opposed to 7 days median survival for the control (p = 0.0069).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results presented herein provide unprecedented experimental evidence that PAP exhibits antiviral activity in the CNS of LCMV-infected mice.</p>