Blocking of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP leads to reduced replication of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

J Virol. 2014 Apr;88(7):3902-10. doi: 10.1128/JVI.03001-13. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections and diseases represents a potential threat for worldwide spread and requires development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we revealed a novel positive function of an exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP 1 (cAMP-1; Epac-1) on MERS-CoV replication. Specifically, we have shown that Epac-specific inhibitor treatment or silencing Epac-1 gene expression rendered cells resistant to viral infection. We believe Epac-1 inhibitors deserve further study as potential therapeutic agents for MERS-CoV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Coronavirus / drug effects*
  • Coronavirus / physiology*
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • RAPGEF3 protein, human
  • Cyclic AMP