Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Replication by Cobra  -Neurotoxoid

Abstract

SUMMARYA peptide, prepared by gentle oxidative detoxification of a methionine-free cobra c~-neurotoxin, was evaluated for antiviral activities in vivo and in vitro. When added to BHK cells before infection the peptide reduced herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced TCDs0 in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The antiviral effect was also expressed on initiation of cell treatment 1 h after infection if the peptide was left in contact with cells. Single, intracerebral doses of the toxoid in suckling mice significantly increased 50~ survival times, and reduced virus replication in the infected brain tissues. Cutaneous lesions and resultant scar formation induced by HSV-1 in hairless mice were also significantly reduced by subcutaneous peptide injections.

Cobrotoxin could be an effective therapeutic for COVID-19

“…After subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL cobra venom preparation daily (trade name Bioven) for 1 month, the viral load of the patient decreased from 1,580,000 copies/mL to 3274 copies/mL and the CD4 count increased from 52/mm 3 to 324/mm 3 [ 11 ]. The peptide derived from oxidative detoxification of α-neurotoxin could reduce herpes virus replication in infected brain tissues and increase survival time by 50% in mice [ 12 ]. In addition, cobrotoxin has a certain similarity to ACE2 according to sequence alignment results.…”

Of poisons and parasites—the defensive role of tetrodotoxin against infections in newts

“…For example, the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides on animals and apicomplexan parasites likely stem from interference with different types of ATPases (Gowler, Leon, Hunter, & de Roode, 2015;Petschenka et al, 2013;Spillman & Kirk, 2015). Importantly, studies have shown inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication by a neurotoxin isolated from cobra venom (Yourist, Haines, & Miller, 1983), demonstrating that chemicals that are traditionally known for their toxic effects on vertebrate neurons can also inhibit the growth of neuron-free viruses.…”