What do microcephaly, Zika virus, Dengue fever, and COVID-19 have in common? According to a recent press release, HP163 could be a treatment for all four. Developed by biopharmaceutical company Hercules Pharmaceuticals, HP163 is an Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) inhibitor. It was shown to reduce Zika viral replication and related microcephaly. Additionally, an article pre-print noted that HP163 could also protect against COVID-19. But why would this AhR inhibitor be so effective?
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a protein that helps regulate gene expression. In patients with Zika virus, the infection causes the AHR gene to activate. As a result, patients produce less IFN-I, which normally plays a role in antiviral immune response. Additionally, the virus begins to replicate more and more. HP163, then, works by preventing this replication.
If HP163 continues its development, it could assist patients with other viral infections. As mentioned, Hercules Pharmaceuticals hopes that AhR inhibitors like HP163 may treat COVID-19. Currently, the coronavirus is a global pandemic, affecting over 200 countries and territories. As of the late afternoon on August 28, there are 24.5 million cases reported worldwide, with 832,000 associated deaths. Of these, 5.9 million cases and 181,000 deaths, are from the US alone. Thus, finding a treatment or cure would be hugely beneficial to affected patient populations.
Zika Virus
First discovered in 1947, Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness causing severe birth defects. Most commonly, Zika virus is found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. Outside of being passed from mother to child, Zika can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or sexual contact.
When adults have Zika virus, they typically experience symptoms like fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, and headache lasting for around one week. In most cases, the virus is not very severe. However, pregnant women could experience severe birth defects for their children. These include microcephaly, brain and eye damage, and clubfoot.
Learn more about Zika virus.
