The trimeric artesunate derivative TF27 exerts strong anti-cytomegaloviral efficacy: Focus on prophylactic efficacy and oral treatment of immunocompetent mice

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes serious and even life-threatening diseases, particularly upon congenital or post-transplant infection. Treatment of HCMV infections with currently available drugs targeting viral enzymes is often limited by severe side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. To avoid this problem, novel therapeutic options directed to host proteins involved in virus replication are being investigated. Recently, we described the pronounced antiherpesviral activity of the trimeric artesunate derivative TF27 at low nanomolar concentrations in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we report first data on the prophylactic efficacy of TF27 against human and murine CMV and the oncogenic avian alphaherpesvirus Marek's disease virus (MDV). The main findings of this study are (i) a pronounced activity of the experimental drug TF27 against alpha- and betaherpesviruses in vitro upon prophylactic treatment and (ii) a therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy upon oral treatment in an immunocompetent mouse model. Moreover, our data highlight (iii) the tolerability of orally administered TF27 free of compound-associated adverse events and further confirm (iv) the suitability of cellular factors as primary antiviral targets. Thus, we provide evidence for therapeutic and prophylactic antiherpesviral efficacy of TF27 upon oral treatment in immunocompetent hosts and thereby underline its potential for future antiviral drug development. [Display omitted] •The artesunate derivative TF27 exhibited pronounced in vitro activity against human and animal herpesviruses.•Both therapeutic and prophylactic TF27 treatment showed efficacy against cytomegalovirus in an immunocompetent mouse model.•In vitro and in vivo efficacy of prophylactic treatment supported a host target-directed model of TF27 activity.•Efficacy of orally administered TF27 in the absence of compound-related adverse effects was demonstrated.•Cumulative data highlight the potential of artesunate derivatives as candidates for future oral and safe antiviral drugs.