Columbia University Study Finds That The Phytochemical Ginkgolic Acid Can Inhibit Human Metapneumovirus Infectivity
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 01, 2025 3 days, 2 hours, 30 minutes ago
HMPV News: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the most significant members of the Pneumoviridae family, notorious for causing severe respiratory infections. These viruses predominantly affect vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients. Despite advancements in medical research, treatment options for these infections remain limited. While vaccines for hRSV have been developed recently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs for hMPV, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic solutions.
Columbia University Study Finds That The Phytochemical Ginkgolic Acid Can Inhibit
Human Metapneumovirus Infectivity
Enter ginkgolic acid (GA), a natural compound derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree. Known for its wide-ranging antiviral properties, GA has been explored for its potential to inhibit the infectivity of numerous viruses. This
HMPV News report explores groundbreaking research demonstrating how GA effectively inhibits the infectivity of hMPV, shedding light on its possible use as a therapeutic agent.
The Research Team and Their Institutions
The research was conducted by Maria I. Luck and Erick J. Subillaga from the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, along with Ronen Borenstein from Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine and Yosef Sabo from Columbia University. Their collaborative efforts revealed the mechanisms by which ginkgolic acid (GA) impairs hMPV infectivity without affecting later stages of the viral lifecycle.
The Role of Ginkgolic Acid
Extracted from the leaves and fruits of the Ginkgo biloba tree, GA has long been studied for its therapeutic properties against viral infections, cancers, and other diseases. This phytochemical contains a major active compound, GA C15:1, which has shown potent antiviral activities against enveloped viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1, human cytomegalovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The ability of GA to block viral entry by targeting fusion proteins has made it a promising candidate for tackling respiratory pathogens.
Understanding the Mechanism of Action
The study revealed that GA targets the entry phase of hMPV and hRSV infection - the initial step where viruses invade host cells. Researchers tested GA’s effects using cultured cells infected with these viruses. By pre-treating viruses with GA and then exposing them to human lung epithelial cells, the team observed a significant reduction in infectivity.
At concentrations as low as 0.44 μM, GA inhibited hMPV’s ability to infect human cells. For hRSV, a slightly higher concentration of 4.17 μM was required to achieve similar effects. Importantly, these concentrations were well below the cytotoxic threshold, meaning GA exhibited minimal toxicity to human cells while effectively neutralizing the viruses.
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Experimental Findings
The experiments conducted involved both African green monkey kidney cells (Vero E6) and human lung epithelial cells (A549). These cell lines are commonly used in virology to study infection dynamics due to their susceptibility to respiratory viruses. Key findings include:
-Inhibition of Viral Entry: Ginkgolic acid (GA) prevented viral particles from entering host cells. Microscopic imaging revealed a marked reduction in infected cells after GA treatment compared to untreated controls.
-No Effect on Post-Entry Events: Unlike many antiviral drugs, ginkgolic acid (GA) showed no interference with processes such as viral gene transcription, genome replication, or particle assembly. This specificity ensures that the virus is stopped before it can propagate within the host.
-Broad-Spectrum Activity: While the primary focus was on hMPV, similar results were observed for hRSV, suggesting ginkgolic acid’s potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral for members of the Pneumoviridae family.
Implications of the Research
The study’s findings underscore the potential of ginkgolic acid (GA) as a novel therapeutic agent for respiratory infections caused by hMPV and hRSV. The fact that GA specifically targets viral entry while sparing other cellular processes minimizes the risk of side effects. Additionally, its broad antiviral activity raises the possibility of developing GA-based treatments for other enveloped viruses, including emerging pathogens.
Limitations and Future Directions
While the results are promising, further research is needed to optimize ginkgolic acid’s efficacy and safety for clinical use. Key areas for future investigation include:
-Dose Optimization: Determining the most effective and safe dosages for human patients.
-Mechanistic Studies: Elucidating the exact molecular interactions between GA and viral fusion proteins.
-In Vivo Testing: Expanding studies to animal models to assess GA’s pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential in living organisms.
-Broader Applications: Exploring GA’s effects on other viruses within and beyond the Pneumoviridae family.
Conclusion
The ability of ginkgolic acid (GA) to inhibit the entry of hMPV and hRSV into host cells opens new avenues for antiviral therapy. Unlike traditional treatments that target viral replication or protein synthesis, GA’s mechanism of action halts infections at their inception. Moreover, its low cytotoxicity and broad-spectrum efficacy make it a compelling candidate for further development.
Researchers believe that with proper optimization, GA could become a cornerstone in the fight against respiratory viruses, particularly for vulnerable populations who face the greatest risks. By addressing a critical unmet medical need, this discovery represents a significant step forward in antiviral drug development.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Scientific Reports.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58032-8
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