Antiherpetic Activity of Carrageenan Complex with Echinochrome A and Its Liposomal Form

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, the incidence of which is still widespread throughout the world, are actualizing the search and development of new, more effective antiherpetic drugs. The development of multifunctional drug delivery systems, including liposome-based ones, has become a relevant and attractive concept in nanotechnology. The ability of complexes of kappa- and sigma-carrageenans (CRGs)-sulfated polysaccharides of red algae, with echinochrome A (Ech), as well as the liposomal form of the sigma-CRG/Ech complex-to inhibit different stages of HSV-1 infection in Vero cells was studied. By quantum chemical calculations, it was shown that CRG forms stable complexes with Ech. We have shown that complexes of kappa-CRG/Ech and sigma-CRG/Ech exhibit highest virucidal activity with a selectivity index (SI) of 270 and 350, respectively, and inhibition of virus-cell interaction (SI of 83 and 32, respectively). The liposomal form of the sigma-CRG/Ech complex after virus adsorption and penetration to cells effectively reduced the HSV-1 plaque formation. The virus-inhibiting activity of the liposomal form of the sigma-CRG/Ech complex was three times higher than that of the sigma-CRG/Ech complex itself. Obtaining CRGs/Ech complexes and their liposomal forms can become the basis of a successful strategy for the development of promising antiherpetic drugs.

Automated summary

This study investigated the antiherpetic activity of complexes of kappa- and sigma-carrageenans with echinochrome A, as well as their liposomal forms, showing promising results in inhibiting HSV-1 infection. The liposomal form of the sigma-CRG/Ech complex demonstrated three times higher virus-inhibiting activity compared to the complex itself, indicating potential for the development of effective antiherpetic drugs.