The effect of miRNA mimic hsa-miR-7704 on in-vitro replication of herpes simplex virus type 1

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections are of the most common diseases in human population. HSV-1 can cause subclinical to severe diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients. There are few anti-herpes drugs for treatment of HSV-1 infection. Acyclovir is one of the most important drugs. The extensive use of this drug has led to the development of resistant strains. Therefore, development of new anti-herpes drugs with different mechanisms is noticeable. This study aimed to use microRNAs as a novel method for inhibiting HSV-1 infection. Methods: Synthesized miRNA mimics hsa-miR-7704 (miR-SX1) were transfected into Hela cells, and then infected with HSV-1. Cellular morphological changes were observed 24 hours post-infection by inverted microscope, and photographed. Viral titers were measured using 50 tissue culture infective dose (TCID 50 ) method. Findings: miR-SX-1-transfected cells produced low-titer HSV-1, without affecting cell viability. Conclusion: The data suggest that miR-SX1 inhibits HSV-1 replication, and may provide an alternative mechanism to prevent HSV-1 infection. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

In-vitro evaluation of miR-101-5P effect on herpes simplex virus replication

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is known worldwide for its serious disease and a kind of infection that involves nervous system throughout human lifelong. HSV-1 infection is much more considerable in immunocompromised patients and due to the growing resistance to its main drug, acyclovir, alternative treatments are required. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate host and viral gene expression, post-transcriptionally. One previous study has shown that mir-101-3p expression may play role in HSV-1-infected cells. Methods: In this study, synthesized mimic hsa-miR-101-5p was transfected to HSV-1-infected Hela cells to observe its effect on HSV-1 replication via microscopic observation. Findings: Hela cells transfected by hsa-miR-101-5p produced less viral progeny, and expressed less cytopathic effects. Conclusion: Considering the effect of hsa-miR-101 in suppressing HSV-1 replication without affecting cell viability, this achievement can give us new insights in treatment of HSV-1 infection. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

A mini-review on sofosbuvir and daclatasvir treatment in coronavirus disease 2019

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir have been used successfully since 2013 for hepatitis C treatment. It has been shown by different studies that sofosbuvir can inhibit RNA polymerase of other positive-strand RNA viruses including Flaviviridae and Togaviridae. Homology between hepatitis C virus RNA polymerase and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has also been established. The efficacy of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir as potential choices in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and their recovery can be hypothesized