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Omega-3 compound inhibits influenza virus

March 08, 2013. An article published online on March 7, 2013 in the journal Cell reports the discovery of Japanese researchers of an ability for protectin D1 (PD1), a compound occurring in the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA, to treat influenza infection in mice. Protectin D1 was found to be beneficial even at advanced stages of infection, during which antivirals are usually not effective.
Preliminary research conducted by Yumiko Imai of Akita University and colleagues documented an ability of PD1 to inhibit the replication of H1N1 and H5N1 influenza viruses in human lung cells. Dr Imai’s team subsequently examined the lungs of mice that died of influenza and found a decrease in PD1 production.
When PD1 was given intravenously to mice 12 hours prior to and immediately after being infected with influenza, the animals experienced improved survival in comparison with those that did not receive the compound. Protectin D1 was also effective when given 48 hours after infection—a point in time when the administration of current anti-influenza drugs is not known to be effective. While PD1 or the antiviral peramivir administered two days after infection resulted in the survival of 25% to 30% of the mice, all of the infected animals survived when both treatments were given together.
"Given the potential for future lethal pandemics, effective drugs are needed for the treatment of severe influenza, such as that caused by H5N1 viruses," Dr Imai commented. "We have identified a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of severe influenza that is effective under conditions where known antiviral drugs fail to protect from death."
“Our findings suggest that PD1 could serve as a biomarker as well as a much needed antiviral drug for severe and lethal influenza virus infections," she concluded.