Effects of Basic Amino Acids and Their Derivatives on SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza-A Virus Infection

Amino acids have been implicated with virus infection and replication. Here, we demonstrate the effects of two basic amino acids, arginine and lysine, and their ester derivatives on infection of two enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza A virus. We found that lysine and its ester derivative can efficiently block infection of both viruses in vitro. Furthermore, the arginine ester derivative caused a significant boost in virus infection. Studies on their mechanism of action revealed that the compounds potentially disturb virus uncoating rather than virus attachment and endosomal acidification. Our findings suggest that lysine supplementation and the reduction of arginine-rich food intake can be considered as prophylactic and therapeutic regimens against these viruses while also providing a paradigm for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals.

Automated summary

The effects of the basic amino acids arginine and lysine and their ester derivatives on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus infection were demonstrated. Lysine and its ester derivative efficiently blocked infection of both viruses, while the arginine ester derivative significantly boosted virus infection. Mechanistic studies showed that these compounds potentially disturb virus uncoating, providing a potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against the viruses.