New ways to inactivate the influenza virus
A multidisciplinary collaboration involving the University of Barcelona, Leiden University, the University of York and the Francis Crick Institute has designed a new family of sugar‑based compounds capable of permanently disabling neuraminidase, one of the influenza virus’s essential surface proteins. The study includes the participation of Carme Rovira, from the Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry of the UB (IQTCUB), who contributed to the computational analysis of the molecular mechanism.
Main Findings
– The research team developed aziridine derivatives inspired by the structure of oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
– These compounds form a covalent and irreversible bond with neuraminidase, fully blocking its activity an advance over current influenza antivirals, which inhibit the enzyme reversibly.
– Laboratory assays showed strong antiviral activity, particularly against influenza A (H3N2), and the compounds also inhibited neuraminidase from avian‑related strains such as H5N1.
– Beyond their therapeutic potential, the molecules can serve as chemical probes to detect and quantify active neuraminidase in complex samples, including seasonal influenza vaccines.
Scientific and Societal Impact
The findings open new avenues for the development of next‑generation influenza treatments and provide valuable tools for studying viral activity and evaluating vaccine components. The project received support from the European Research Council’s Synergy Grant programme, highlighting its scientific relevance and international scope.
Further Information
The full news article can be read at: https://web.ub.edu/en/web/actualitat/w/compounds-influenza-virus