       Document 0261
 DOCN  M9550261
 TI    9-(2-Phosphonylmethoxyethyl) adenine increases the survival of influenza
       virus-infected mice by an enhancement of the immune system.
 DT    9505
 AU    Villani N; Calio R; Balestra E; Balzarini J; De Clercq E; Fabrizi E;
       Perno CF; Del Gobbo V; Department of Experimental Medicine and
       Biochemical Sciences,; University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy.
 SO    Antiviral Res. 1994 Oct;25(2):81-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/95150560
 AB    PMEA (9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine) is a potent inhibitor of DNA
       viruses and retroviruses able to enhance natural immune functions such
       as natural killer cell activity and interferon production. The results
       reported in this paper show that the treatment with PMEA significatively
       decreased the mortality of mice challenged with influenza A/PR8 virus
       (an RNA virus, non sensitive to the antiviral effect of PMEA) compared
       to untreated, infected controls (median survival 8.64 days and 7.61
       days, respectively), and reduced lung weight and consolidation (two
       surrogate markers of virus infection). Furthermore, virus titer obtained
       from lung homogenates was substantially decreased in PMEA-treated mice
       compared to controls. Finally, enhancement of natural killer cell
       activity was achieved in PMEA-treated A/PR8-infected mice compared to
       A/PR8-infected controls. Overall, results suggest that PMEA decreases
       the influenza virus-related mortality and morbidity through the
       enhancement of some immune functions, and that this effect might be
       additive or even synergystic with the direct inhibitory effect of DNA
       viruses or retroviruses induced by PMEA itself. This supports the
       importance of evaluating this drug in patients with diseases related to
       herpesviruses or to human immunodeficiency virus.
 DE    Adenine/*ANALOGS & DERIVATIVES/PHARMACOLOGY/THERAPEUTIC USE  Animal
       Biological Response Modifiers/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Cell Line
       Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral/DRUG EFFECTS  Dogs
       Influenza/IMMUNOLOGY/*THERAPY/VIROLOGY  Kidney  Mice  Mice, Inbred C57BL
       Orthomyxovirus Type A, Human  Support, Non-U.S. Gov't  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

