Identification of antiviral compounds against equid herpesvirus-1 using RTCA screening

Equid alpha-herpesviruses (EHV) are responsible for different diseases in equine population. EHV-1 causes respiratory diseases, abortions and nervous disorders, In this presentation, we documented the interest of the Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) technology to monitor the cytopathic effects induced by EHV-1 on equine dermal cells, and established the efficacy of this method to evaluate the antiviral effect of aciclovir and ganciclovir . In addition, the RTCA technology has also been found appropriate for the high-throughput screening of small molecules against EHV. Among the 2891 compounds screened, 22 molecules have been found to be effective in vitro against EHV-1. Decitabine, ganciclovir, and valganciclovir, were the most effective compounds identified, and their antiviral potency was further assessed on E. Derm, RK13 and EEK cells and against 3 different field strains of EHV-1 (ORF30 2254A/G/C) using RTCA technology. We also provide evidences of synergistic interactions between valganciclovir and decitabine in our in vitro antiviral assay as determined by impedance measurement and qPCR assays.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.