Abstract
Summary
A modification of photodynamic inactivation of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) has been developed employing hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and visible light. Isolates of HSV Type 1 rapidly and completely lose their plaqueforming ability when a mixture of virus and HPD is exposed to light. This effect is dependent upon optimal concentrations of the tetrapyrrole, light intensity, and the presence of molecular oxygen. Photodynamically inactivated virions do not cause viral cytopathic effects following infection of susceptible cells, and fail to induce viral antigens. The treated particles are unable to adsorb to or penetrate cells, and therefore cannot initiate an infection. These observations are consistent with photooxidative damage to the viral envelope occurring through the interaction of HPD plus light.
The expert technical assistance of Ms. Sherie Gibson is gratefully acknowledged. This work was supported in part by a grant from the Milton Fund, and Public Health Service Grant AM-05391. C.S.C. is the recipient of an NIH Research Career Development Award No1 5-KO4-CA00139 from the National Cancer Institute.
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