Work

Evaluation of Probenecid Against Filovirus Replication in Vero E6 Cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In human and non-human primates, filoviruses, e.g., Ebolaviruses, cause severe hemorrhagic fever for which there are few therapeutic options. While there are licensed vaccines and therapeutics for Ebola virus disease, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for other Ebola diseases. There is a need for broad-spectrum antivirals to treat Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Marburg virus (MARV). We have previously demonstrated that probenecid, an FDA-approved drug with a safety profile spanning over 7 decades, is safe and effective in preventing the replication of influenza A viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other RNA respiratory viruses, such as HMPV and RSV, both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, probenecid was shown to inhibit the replication of infectious EBOV, SUDV, and MARV in Vero E6 cells, with IC50 Values of 3 μM, 8 μM, and 13 μM, respectively. It also reduced plaque size in infected Vero cell lawns, suggesting reduced virus spread. These studies show that probenecid is an effective, broad-spectrum, host-directed antiviral drug.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v18010043

Authors: Kendra Alfson, Ricardo Carrion, Ralph A. Tripp, Chris Cirimotich, David E. Martin

Institutions: Texas Biomedical Research Institute, University of Georgia, Battelle

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137