Medical countermeasures against henipaviruses: a review and public health perspective.

Henipaviruses, including Nipah virus, are regarded as pathogens of notable epidemic potential because of their high pathogenicity and the paucity of specific medical countermeasures to control infections in humans. We review the evidence of medical countermeasures against henipaviruses and project their cost in a post-COVID-19 era. Given the sporadic and unpredictable nature of henipavirus outbreaks, innovative strategies will be needed to circumvent the infeasibility of traditional phase 3 clinical trial regulatory pathways. Stronger partnerships with scientific institutions and regulatory authorities in low-income and middle-income countries can inform coordination of appropriate investments and development of strategies and normative guidelines for the deployment and equitable use of multiple medical countermeasures. Accessible measures should include global, regional, and endemic in-country stockpiles of reasonably priced small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines as part of a combined collection of products that could help to control henipavirus outbreaks and prevent future pandemics.

COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, and Nipah virus infection reclassification as novel acute immune dysrhythmia syndrome (n-AIDS): potential crucial role for immunomodulators.

In this manuscript, COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, Nipah virus infection, SARS, and MERS are suggested to be considered for a novel immunological reclassification as acute onset immune dysrhythmia syndrome (n-AIDS) due to altered monocytic, Th1/Th2, as well as cytokines and chemokines balances. n-AIDs is postulated to be the cause of the acute respiratory distress and multi-inflammatory syndromes which are described with fatal COVID-19, and immunomodulators are suggested to effectively manage the mentioned diseases as well as for other disorders caused by Th1/Th2 imbalance. Meanwhile, para COVID syndrome is suggested to describe various immune-related complications, whether before or after recovery, and to embrace a potential of a latent infection, that might be discovered later, as occurred with Ebola virus disease. Finally, our hypothesis has evolved out of our real-life practice that uses immunomodulatory drugs to manage COVID-19 safely and effectively.

Griffithsin Inhibits Nipah Virus Entry and Fusion and Can Protect Syrian Golden Hamsters From Lethal Nipah Virus Challenge.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes fatal encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans. There is currently no approved therapeutic for human use against NiV infection. Griffithsin (GRFT) is high-mannose oligosaccharide binding lectin that has shown in vivo broad-spectrum activity against viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, human immunodeficiency virus 1, hepatitis C virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral activities of GRFT and its synthetic trimeric tandemer (3mG) against NiV and other viruses from 4 virus families. The 3mG had comparatively greater potency than GRFT against NiV due to its enhanced ability to block NiV glycoprotein-induced syncytia formation. Our initial in vivo prophylactic evaluation of an oxidation-resistant GRFT (Q-GRFT) showed significant protection against lethal NiV challenge in Syrian golden hamsters. Our results warrant further development of Q-GRFT and 3mG as potential NiV therapeutics.