Antiviral Activity of Synthetic Bis-Naphthoquinone (H-5) against Chikungunya Virus Replication

INTRODUCTION: The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a significant public health concern, as it is one of the most critical re-emerging infections and still lacks specific treatment or vaccination measures. METHODS: In this study, bis-naphthoquinone (H-5) was tested in CHIKV-infected cells and mice. Several techniques were employed to understand the drug's mechanism of action. RESULTS: Cytotoxicity (CC50) and antiviral activity (EC50) tests revealed that H-5 presented low toxicity 1103 μM and good antiviral potential 0.96 μM. Virucidal test and time of addition of the compound to verify the mechanism of action presented good results. In vivo assays showed promise. In addition, synergism tests with Ribavirin indicated a strong synergistic effect. DISCUSSION: The antiviral effect associated with low toxicity demonstrates that the compound shows promise. In addition, the mechanism of action studies is crucial for the characterization of a good compound. Tests in mice demonstrated potential reduction of edema and favorable histological changes. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that H-5 is a promising antiviral candidate against CHIKV.