An Anti-HIV Drug Is Highly Effective Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro and Has Potential Benefit for Long COVID Treatment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The persistent evolution of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates novel antiviral strategies. This study evaluated the anti-HIV prodrugs tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for repurposing against SARS-CoV-2, assessing key pharmacological indices (CC50, EC50, cytostatic effect, and therapeutic window). In vitro screening in Vero E6 cells measured cytotoxicity (via CCK-8/MTT assays) and antiviral activity against Kazakh B.1 and Wuhan strains. TDF (50 µg/mL) reduced high viral loads (MOI 2) by ~2 log10 (100% inhibition), with minimal cytotoxicity (≥75% viability). TAF achieved near-complete suppression (100% inhibition) at 50 µg/mL, exhibiting dose-dependent inhibition (68–100%) at lower viral loads (MOI 0.01). Both prodrugs showed enhanced antiviral activity with prolonged exposure (96 h). Synergy assessments demonstrated favourable combination indices (CI < 1). Electron microscopy confirmed virion integrity post-treatment. These findings highlight TDF and TAF as promising candidates against SARS-CoV-2, with particular potential for targeting lymphoid reservoirs—sites implicated in persistent viral reservoirs that may contribute to long COVID pathogenesis. Further clinical validation is warranted.
Source: Viruses
DOI: 10.3390/v17091170
Authors: Saken Khaidarov, Abdul Bari Hejran, Aizhan Moldakaryzova, Slu Izmailova, Bayan Nurgaliyeva, Aizhan Beisenova, Aigul Mustafaeva, Kuanysh Nurzhanova, Yelena Belova, Elmira Satbayeva, Askar Aidarov, Saniya Ossikbayeva, Yerlan Kukubassov, Jandos Amankulov, Tatyana Goncharova, Banu Yeszhan, Edan Tulman, Karlygash N. Tazhibayeva, Assel Sadykova, Nurlan Kozhabergenov, Yerbol Burashev
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4413778656