ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR IN-VITRO

The antiviral activity of 'nerve growth factor' (NGF) on non-oncogenic DNA, on RNA viruses and on Moloney sarcoma retrovirus was evaluated i n vitro. NGF was active against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), h erpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Moloney sarcoma virus (MSV) at non toxic concentrations. The effects of different treatment regimens on HSV-1 infections indicate that the inhibitory action of NGF occurs at the early stages of viral replication. No activity was noted agains t coxsackie virus B1 (Cox B1), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Seml iki forest virus (SFV), encephalomyocarditis (Columbia SK) and adenovi rus of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) at the highest concentrations tested.