Research from Yonsei University, Department of Biotechnology in the area of bird flu therapy published
2007 NOV 12 -- Data detailed in 'Biological evaluation of anti-influenza viral activity of semi-synthetic catechin derivatives' have been presented. "Catechin derivatives with different alkyl chain length and aromatic ring substitutions at the 3-hydroxyl group were synthesized from epigallocatechin (EGC) and (+)-catechin (C) and their anti-influenza viral activity were evaluated in vitro and in ovo. Pronounced antiviral activity was observed for derivatives carrying moderate chain length (7-9 carbons) as compared to those with aromatic rings, whereas the 5'-hydroxyl group of the trihydroxy benzyl moiety did not significantly contribute to antiviral activity," investigators in Seoul, South Korea report. "The derivatives exerted inhibitory effects for all six influenza subtypes tested including three major types of currently circulating human influenza viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B type), H2N2 and H9N2 avian influenza virus. The compounds strongly inhibited adsorption of the viruses on red blood cell (RBC). They also restricted the growth of avian influenza virus in ovo with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 5-10 microM far exceeding the neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor oseltamivir or M2 proton channel inhibitor amantadine. The antiviral activity appears to be mediated by interaction with hemagglutinin (HA)/viral membrane rendering HA less fusogenic at the initial stage of infection. The broad spectrum activity against various subtypes of influenza viruses may complement the limitations of current antivirals and contribute for managing potentially emerging influenza pandemic," wrote J.M. Song and colleagues, Yonsei University, Department of Biotechnology. The researchers concluded: "The structure-activity data of catechin derivatives may usefully guideline future research endeavors for applying green tea catechins as alternative anti-viral agents." Song and colleagues published their study in Antiviral Research (Biological evaluation of anti-influenza viral activity of semi-synthetic catechin derivatives. Antiviral Research, 2007;76(2):178-85). For additional information, contact J.M. Song, College of Engineering, Dept. of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea. The publisher of the journal Antiviral Research can be contacted at: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Keywords: South Korea, Seoul, Bird Flu Therapy, Antiviral Activity, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Avian Influenza Virus, Biotechnology, Bird Flu, Therapy, Treatment, Viral Inhibition, Viral Research, Viral Therapy, Virology. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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