Molecular analysis of the 2022 mpox outbreak and antiviral activity of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors against orthopoxviruses
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has caused a large pandemic outbreak in 2022 with more than 90.000 confirmed cases and 181 deaths. Notably, signs of microevolution and host adaption have been observed. Here, we demonstrate that viral genomes from Franconia, Bavaria acquired different mutations. Three isolates obtained from diagnostic samples, submitted from suspected Mpox cases, show differences in their replication capacities. One MPXV isolate which shows the fastest replication kinetics and higher viral loads, possesses a unique non-synonymous mutation (D616L) in the A11L protein (gene OPG136), which encodes for a protein that is part of a major viral core structure. In regard to pandemic preparedness and future outbreaks, we analyzed the antiviral activity of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors, and show that they are active against MPXV, vaccinia virus (VACV), and cowpox virus (CPXV) and therefore likely against orthopoxviruses in general. In agreement with that, we also demonstrated that chemical optimization leads to compounds with EC 50 values in the sub-nanomolar range, associated with low cytotoxicity, which forms a good basis for future drug development from this chemical series. • Microevolution of MPXV was observed in different patients. • A specific non-synonymous (P616L in OPG136) mutation might confer a replication advantage to a MPXV isolate. • DHODH inhibitors showed strong antiviral activity against orthopoxviruses.
Source: Antiviral Research
Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Language: English
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,040
OpenAlex ID: W4404771322