Blocking of Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP (Epac) Leads to Reduced Replication of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus
+ Author Affiliations
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of MERS-CoV infection 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 cAMP-1 (Epac-1) on MERS-CoV replication. Specifically, we have shown that Epac-specific inhibitor treatment or silencing Epac1 gene expression rendered cells resistant to viral infection. We believe Epac-1 inhibitors deserve further study as potential therapeutic agents for MERS-CoV infection.
- Xinrong Tao1,
- Feng Mei2,
- Anurodh Agrawal1,
- Clarence J. Peters1,3,5,6,
- Thomas G. Ksiazek3,4,5,6,
- Xiaodong Cheng2* and
- Chien-Te K. Tseng1,3,5,6*
+ Author Affiliations
- <ADDRESS>Departments of Microbiology and Immunology<SUP>1</SUP></ADDRESS>
- <ADDRESS>Pharmacology and Toxicology<SUP>2</SUP></ADDRESS>
- <ADDRESS>Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease<SUP>3</SUP></ADDRESS>
- <ADDRESS>Pathology<SUP>4</SUP></ADDRESS>
- <ADDRESS>Sealy Center for Vaccine Development<SUP>5</SUP></ADDRESS>
- <ADDRESS>Center for Tropical Diseases<SUP>6</SUP>, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555 </ADDRESS>
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of MERS-CoV infection 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 cAMP-1 (Epac-1) on MERS-CoV replication. Specifically, we have shown that Epac-specific inhibitor treatment or silencing Epac1 gene expression rendered cells resistant to viral infection. We believe Epac-1 inhibitors deserve further study as potential therapeutic agents for MERS-CoV infection.