Nonspecific membrane bilayer perturbations by ivermectin underlie SARS-CoV-2 <i>in vitro</i> activity.

ABSTRACT: Since it was proposed as a potential host-directed antiviral agent for SARS-CoV-2, the antiparasitic drug ivermectin has been investigated thoroughly in clinical trials, which have provided insufficient support for its clinical efficacy. To examine the potential for ivermectin to be repurposed as an antiviral agent, we therefore undertook a series of preclinical studies. Consistent with early reports, ivermectin decreased SARS-CoV-2 viral burden in in vitro models at low micromolar concentrations, five- to ten-fold higher than the reported toxic clinical concentration. At similar concentrations, ivermectin also decreased cell viability and increased biomarkers of cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Further mechanistic and profiling studies revealed that ivermectin nonspecifically perturbs m

SUBMITTER: Eastman RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10634736 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature