Transcriptomic Characterization of the Novel Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: Specific Host Response and Responses Intermediate between Avian (H5N1 and H7N7) and Human (H3N2) Viruses and Implications for Treatment Options

Josset, Laurence; Zeng, Hui; Kelly, Sara M.; Tumpey, Terrence M.; Katze, Michael G.

Importantly, we evaluated the anti-H7N9 activity of minocycline, a tetracycline with antimicrobial action, and independent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. We observed that minocycline significantly inhibited H7N9 replication in vitro. Minocycline was previously shown to inhibit simian immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus (SIV and HIV) replication in vitro and in vivo and to reduce SIV-induced encephalitis severity in macaques (32) . Minocycline was also shown to inhibit West Nile virus replication in vitro, possibly by inhibiting Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) induction (33) , and to protect mice against Japanese encephalitis virus infection (34) . This study is the first, to our knowledge, to show that minocycline also inhibits influenza virus replication in vitro. Moreover, this assay validates our in silico drug prediction. Minocycline is an interesting candidate to consider for in vivo testing, since it is FDA approved, readily available, and well tolerated. In addition to minocycline's antiviral activity, its neuroprotective effect may potentially prevent influenza-associated neurological complications.