Effect of natural and semi-synthetic polymers on rabies virus infection in CER cells

Different natural and semisynthetic polymeric carbohydrates inhibited rabies virus infection in chicken-embryo-related cells by interfering with the virus adsorption process; a dose-dependent relationship was exhibited. Among polysaccharides tested, the neutral polymer Scleroglucan and the negatively charged Keltrol, glyloid sulphate 4324, glyloid sulphate 4327 and alginic acid were the most effective and remained active at concentrations far below the cytotoxicity threshold. Data obtained indicated that the inhibition mechanism of polymers may be related to the ability of these compounds to bind to viral envelopes, although their interaction with cell surfaces cannot be excluded. The charge density and the polymeric backbone of the molecules seem to play a role in influencing the antiviral properties, whereas other features such as the sugar moieties do not appear to be relevant.