Work

Identification of small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus by use of a biologically contained virus system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ebola virus disease is a severe illness with high mortality for which limited therapeutic options are available. Identifying new antiviral drugs that target viral proteins is essential for improving prevention and treatment strategies. In this study, we screened a library of 2,620 small molecules enriched for reported inhibitory activity against cellular and viral helicases to identify phenotypic inhibitors of a biologically contained virus, Ebola∆VP30 virus, in Vero cells stably expressing VP30 protein. Seven compounds significantly reduced virus titers at least 100-fold with minimal cytotoxicity and demonstrated low IC 50 values. Two of these compounds completely inhibited EbolaΔVP30 virus infection, interfering with either virus entry or replication. Although these preliminary screening hits require further optimization and in vivo validation, their identification opens new avenues for anti-Ebola virus drug discovery.

Source: Virus Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199823

Authors: Meareg G. Amare, Peter J. Halfmann

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison

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: $3,010