Antiviral activity of (+)-sattabacin against varicella zoster

Abstract

The first report of the antiviral activity of (+)-sattabacin against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is described. Our results show that (+)-sattabacin potently inhibits the growth of VZV at concentrations in the range of other drugs commonly prescribed for VZV infection. Experiments detailing the synthesis of (+)-sattabacin, quantification of cytotoxicity and gene expression data in human fibroblast cells are also presented. Gene expression data was obtained through microarray analysis from human fibroblast cells exposed to sattabacin in order to identify a possible mechanism by which (+)-sattabacin inhibits VZV replication.

Figure 1.

Structures of the sattabacin family of natural products.

Figure 2.

Cell viability in MRC-5 cells after treatment with sattabacin. MRC-5 cells were treated with different concentrations of SBC for 24 h. Viability was then quantified using an MTT assay. Data presented are mean percent cytotoxicity (±SEM, n = 3). *Value is significantly different compared to control cells treated with DMSO (p <0.05).

Scheme 1.