Antiviral Research
Volume 155, July 2018, Pages 89-96
H. S. Li, Denise I. T. Kuok, M. C. Cheung, Mandy M. T. Ng, K. C.nNg, Kenrie P.Y.Hui, J. S.mMalik Peiris, Michael C. W. Chan John M. Nicholls
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has emerged as a coronavirus infection of humans in the past 5 years. Though confined to certain geographical regions of the world, infection has been associated with a case fatality rate of 35%, and this mortality may be higher in ventilated patients. As there are few readily available animal models that accurately mimic human disease, it has been a challenge to ethically determine what optimum treatment strategies can be used for this disease. We used in-vitro and human ex-vivo explant cultures to investigate the effect of two immunomodulatory agents, interferon alpha and cyclosporine, singly and in combination, on MERS-CoV replication. In both culture systems the combined treatment was more effective than either agent used alone in reducing MERS-CoV replication. PCR SuperArray analysis showed that the reduction of virus replication was associated with a greater induction of interferon stimulated genes. As these therapeutic agents are already licensed for clinical use, it may be relevant to investigate their use for therapy of human MERS-CoV infection.
Keywords
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)Type I interferon, Cyclosporine, Ex vivo explants