Influenza A virus infection causes
a contagious respiratory illness
that poses a threat to human health. However, there are limited anti-influenza
A therapeutics available, which is further compounded by the emergence
of drug resistant viruses. In this study, Sophora quinolizidine alkaloids
were identified as a new class of anti-influenza A virus agents. Among
the tested Sophora alkaloids, dihydroaloperine exhibited the most
potent activity with an EC<sub>50</sub> of 11.2 μM. The potency
of the quinolizidine alkaloids was improved by approximately 5-fold
with chemical modifications on the aloperine molecule. These compounds
were effective against an H1N1 influenza A virus that was resistant
to the two antiflu drugs oseltamivir and amantadine. The identification
of the quinolizidine alkaloids as effective and novel anti-influenza
A agents may aid in the development of new therapeutics