Marine Algal Antioxidants as Potential Vectors for Controlling Viral Diseases

Abstract

As the COVID-19 epidemic expands in the world, and with the previous SARS epidemic, avian flu, Ebola and AIDS serving as a warning, biomedical and biotechnological research has the task to find solutions to counteract viral entry and pathogenesis. A novel approach can come from marine chemodiversity, recognized as a relevant source for developing a future natural "antiviral pharmacy". Activities of antioxidants against viruses can be exploited to cope with human viral infection, from single individual infections to protection of populations. There is a potentially rich and fruitful reservoir of such compounds thanks to the plethora of bioactive molecules and families present in marine microorganisms. The aim of this communication is to present the state-of-play of what is known on the antiviral activities recognized in (micro)algae, highlighting the different molecules from various algae and their mechanisms of actions, when known. Given the ability of various algal molecules-mainly sulfated polysaccharides-to inhibit viral infection at Stage I (adsorption and invasion of cells), we envisage a need to further investigate the antiviral ability of algae, and their mechanisms of action. Given the advantages of microalgal production compared to other organisms, the opportunity might become reality in a short period of time.

Challenging microalgal vitamins for human health

“…Microalgae have the potential to fill many of the global demand regarding different fields (e.g., nutraceuticals, energy, animal feed) being considered as valuable biofactories [ 217 ]. Increasing literature assessed that microalgae cover antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties [ 218 – 220 ]. So far, the limitations of developing industrial microalgal biotechnology are mainly represented by the high production costs [ 221 , 222 ].…”

An Analysis of the Nutritional and Health Values of Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) and Ulva fasciata (Delile)—Two Chlorophyta Collected from the Philippines

“…Viral infections are often caused by oxidative processes, favoring replication in infected cells, induction, and inhibition of cell proliferation [96]. In patients affected by herpes simplex, it was observed that an increase of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced membrane phospholipid peroxidation caused dysfunction of vital cellular processes such as membrane transport and mitochondrial respiration.…”

Antiviral Effects of Polyphenols from Marine Algae

“…Oxidative stress is a key factor in signal transmission by inflammatory cells for the regulation of cytokines and growth factors, as well as for immunomodulation and apoptosis [ 75 ]. It is known that oxidative processes contribute to viral replication in infected cells [ 76 ] and have an effect on the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis [ 77 ]. Thus, in patients infected with herpes simplex virus [ 78 ], the increased peroxidation of membrane phospholipids, induced by ROS, causes dysfunction of vital cell processes such as membrane transport and mitochondrial respiration [ 79 ].…”

“…There is much evidence for the ability of natural antioxidants to trap ROS in infected cells, inhibit proapoptotic factors and thus restore intracellular balance between stress-related proteins (N-terminal kinases with Jun-JNK0 and promitotic (MAPK) and transcription factors NF-kB) [ 82 , 83 , 84 ]. Seaweeds are a rich source of antioxidants including PTs [ 76 ].…”