The Crab Heparin-like Compound Exhibits a Strong Inhibitory Effect on Infections by Dengue Virus-2

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two-fifths of the world population is at risk of infection by DENV. There are no safe and effective vaccines established. Sulfated glycosaminoglycans such as heparin, used as anticoagulants, inhibit the initial step of dengue viral replication. Recently, an isolated heparin analogue Goniopsis cruentata (cCTH) has presented a low anticoagulant effect with reduced bleeding risk. Methods: The antiviral activity of cCTH and heparin compounds against DENV-2 in Vero cell culture was determined by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and titration. For this, four trials were carried out: treatment of the cells for 2 h before viral inoculation, concomitant viral inoculation treatment, treatment after viral inoculation and virucidal assay. Subsequently, the culture supernatants were collected for periods of 24, 48 and 72 h. Results: Our results demonstrated that cCTH and heparin showed antiviral activity against DENV-2. Conclusion: These data suggest that both compounds prevented viral replication in cultured Vero cells.