Cysteamine exerts in vitro antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants.

ABSTRACT: The novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) represent a considerable global alarm because their mutations are known to affect transmissibility and cause immune escape. While preventing severe disease and deaths, the available vaccines do not avoid infection; therefore, COVID-19 disease management still requires effective therapies. We have recently reported that the aminothiol cysteamine, a drug already applied to humans, exerts direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and has in vitro immunomodulatory effect. To evaluate whether this compound exerts antiviral effects also against SARS-CoV-2 variants, we performed different infected cell-based assays using Wild type, Delta, or Omicron VOC. We found that cysteamine significantly reduces the cytopathic effect induced by SARS-CoV-2 Wil

SUBMITTER: Alonzi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9199336 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature