Key Points
- New approach for treating viral infections with polyamine transport inhibitors
- UCF’s patented polyamine transport inhibitor compound blocked SARS-Cov2 virus infection in vitro
- Additional polyamine transport inhibitor compounds are being tested for antiviral activity
Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida and Boston University are developing polyamine transport inhibitors for use as antiviral compounds. Polyamines are required for a variety of viral processes including replication, protein synthesis, and virus-host interactions. Many viruses, including coronaviruses, have been shown to be sensitive to polyamine depletion.
While targeting polyamine metabolism is a known antiviral strategy, previous studies have not focused on the use of polyamine transport inhibitors. UCF's approach is to use polyamine transport inhibitors to deplete viruses of their polyamine resources.
Technical Details
Polyamine transport inhibitors are a potential new approach for treating viral infections. UCF’s patented polyamine transport inhibitor compound was shown to block SARS-Cov2 virus infection in vitro, suggesting the virus may be dependent on polyamine import for survival. Additional studies focusing on polyamine transport inhibitor compounds as antivirals are underway.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is looking for partners to develop the technology further for commercialization.
Stage of Development
Preclinical.
Benefit
- New approach for treating viral infections
Market Application
- Antiviral therapy