Dendrimers in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus
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1
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Pharmacology, Greece
Dendrimers are large highly branched macromolecules that form spheroid or globular nanostructures, precisely engineered to carry molecules encapsulated in their interior void spaces or attached to their surface. Their activity is dependent on chemical composition of the core, interior branching, and surface functionality. Dendrimers have – among other biological properties – antiviral activity, and could potentially be used against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Research on human foreskin fibroblast cells, examining the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition and plaque reduction (PR) assay from HSV has shown that dendrimers might have potential use as topical microbicides and as products intended to be applied to the vaginal or rectal mucosa to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
In vitro experiments have shown that the dendrimer SPL-2999 is effective against HSV infection.
Research on Guinea Pigs has demonstrated that the dendrimer SPL-7013 can protect against genital herpes disease. This is supported by other research carried out on Vero cells, showing also that SPL-7013 is less toxic than other antiviral substances. A gel containing 3 % SPL-7013 has been further evaluated for rectal safety and for antichlamydial efficacy against cervical Chlamydia trachomatis. Research on SPL-7013 has completed phase I clinical trials and is expected to be available on the market soon.
In conclusion, dendrimers appear to be useful as potential anti-HSV medicines of the near future.
Keywords:
Dendrimers,
Herpes Simplex Virus
Conference:
8th Southeast European Congress on Xenobiotic Metabolism and Toxicity - XEMET 2010, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1 Oct - 5 Oct, 2010.
Presentation Type:
Poster
Topic:
Nanopharmacology / Nanomedicine
Citation:
Avranas
K and
Papaioannidou
P
(2010). Dendrimers in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus.
Front. Pharmacol.
Conference Abstract:
8th Southeast European Congress on Xenobiotic Metabolism and Toxicity - XEMET 2010.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fphar.2010.60.00102
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Received:
05 Mar 2011;
Published Online:
04 Nov 2010.
*
Correspondence:
Dr. Paraskevi Papaioannidou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Pharmacology, Thessaloniki, Greece, ppap@auth.gr