Distinct Effects of T-705 (Favipiravir) and Ribavirin on Influenza Virus Replication and Viral RNA Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: T-705 (favipiravir) is a new antiviral agent in advanced clinical development for influenza therapy. It is supposed to act as an alternative substrate for the viral polymerase, causing inhibition of viral RNA synthesis or virus mutagenesis. These mechanisms were also proposed for ribavirin, an established and broad antiviral drug that shares structural similarity with T-705. We here performed a comparative analysis of the effects of T-705 and ribavirin on influenza virus and host cell functions. Influenza virus-infected cell cultures were exposed to T-705 or ribavirin during single or serial virus passaging. The effects on viral RNA synthesis and infectious virus yield were determined and mutations appearing in the viral genome were detected by whole-genome virus sequencing. In addition, t

SUBMITTER: Vanderlinden E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5075073 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature