Picolinic acid is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of enveloped virus entry that restricts SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in vivo.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights an urgent need for effective antivirals. Targeting host processes co-opted by viruses is an attractive antiviral strategy with a high resistance barrier. Picolinic acid (PA) is a tryptophan metabolite endogenously produced in mammals. Here, we report the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of PA against enveloped viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IAV), flaviviruses, herpes simplex virus, and parainfluenza virus. Mechanistic studies reveal that PA inhibits enveloped virus entry by compromising viral membrane integrity, inhibiting virus-cellular membrane fusion, and interfering with cellular endocytosis. More importantly, in pre-clinical animal models, PA exhibits promising antiviral efficacy aga

SUBMITTER: Narayan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10439173 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature