GROWTH-INHIBITION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS-TYPE-1 IN CALPHOSTIN-C-TREATED ASTROCYTES

The aim was to evaluate the effects of calphostin C (CC), a protein ki nase C inhibitor, on lytic herpes simplex virus-type 1 infection of cu ltured rat astrocytes. At 24 h postinjection, the cell culture receivi ng CC treatment at 50 nM concentration showed decreased cell. detachme nt and retraction versus untreated infected controls; likewise, the in fective virus yield was significantly lower in a dose-dependent manner . In contrast, image analysis failed to disclose differences in viral antigen immunolabeling at low drug concentrations, thus suggesting tha t CC-induced inhibition of cytopathic effects and infectivity takes pl ace through mechanisms not involving viral protein synthesis. Given th e low dose required and the apparent lack of cytotoxic effects, presen t findings encourage additional studies on CC antiviral potential in t he whole organism.