Anti-monkeypox Drug Discovery In Vitro Assays

Creative Biolabs is a leading provider of anti-Monkeypox drug discovery services. In our state-of-the-art laboratory, we have optimized many drug discovery assays. We quickly deliver results in easy-to-understand reports to meet customer needs.

Overview of Anti-monkeypox Drug Discovery In Vitro Assays

The first step in establishing the efficacy of new antivirals is based on a simple method of evaluating the inhibition of the intended target. The selection of in vitro antiviral test systems that will provide selective, sensitive, and reproducible results is a priority in this discovery and development process. Since the life cycle of viruses is dependent on cytokines and cell metabolism and signaling pathways, the number of possible antiviral drug targets is limited. However, almost all viruses encode unique proteins and enzymes that may serve as specific targets for antiviral therapy.

In Vitro Assay Systems

In vitro antiviral assays using cell-based systems commonly use inhibition of viral plaque formation, viral cytopathic effect (CPE), or viral hemagglutinin (HA) or other viral protein, with inhibition of virus yield used in follow-up evaluations. The cells primarily used are Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK), although other cells (e. g. primary chick embryo, calf kidney, chick kidney, Vero, mink lung, and human respiratory epithelial cells) may be used.

In Vitro Assay Platforms at Creative Biolabs for Anti-Monkeypox Drug Discovery

• Viral Entry Inhibitors

Different types of assays have been developed, including cell-cell fusion assays, cell-virus fusion assays with pseudovirus particles, and in vitro biochemical assays to screen for inhibitors of virus entry. The cell-based analysis is commonly used to screen for viral entry inhibitors.

• Viral Capsid Disassembly/Uncoating Inhibitors

The majority of viruses enter cells by endocytosis. Two main techniques are used in these assays: ultracentrifugation or utilization of specific cellular restriction factors. In addition, factors or compounds affecting virus uncoating can be studied in vitro by modifying the glycerine layer containing detergent by lowering the pH value, changing the ionic strength, or adding presumed virus uncoating factors.

• Viral Genome Replication Inhibitors
• Polymerases

Depending on the type of virus, DNA or RNA polymerase copies the viral genome. Polymerases continue to be a preferred target for newly designed inhibitors. Non-specific approaches such as plaque assays were initially used to monitor the effectiveness of polymerase inhibitors. A more direct analysis involves measuring the combined radio-labeled nucleotides, which directly reflect polymerase activity.

• Methyltransferases

The activity of purified recombinant methyltransferase can be determined by the determination of the methylation by-product S-adenosyl homocysteine.

• Viral Assembly Inhibitors

The development of in vitro assembly systems has contributed greatly to the current understanding of the structure of retrovirus particles and the mechanism of virion formation.

• Viral Maturation Inhibitors

Numerous in vitro assays to monitor the activity of proteases and their inhibitors have been developed. Cell-based analysis can provide additional information, including the ability of the inhibitor to cross the cell membrane and its stability in the cytoplasm.

Fig.1 Restriction points in virus replication. (Saxena, 2009)

Creative Biolabs provides industry-leading, cutting-edge anti-Monkeypox discovery in vitro analysis. These analytical methods provide a wide range of solutions for customer projects. Our services are supported by professional staff with over 10 years of experience. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more.