The Inhibitory Effect of cLF-chimera, a Recombinant Antimicrobial Peptide, on Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H9N2

Abstract

Avian influenza subtype H9N2 is the most prevalent influenza virus in poultry worldwide. It imposes economic losses on the poultry industry and has zoonotic potential. Currently, there are two main groups of anti-influenza drugs in use; Adamantanes and Neuraminidase inhibitors. In recent years, there has been increasing resistance to existing anti-influenza drugs. Antimicrobial peptides are a group of potential drug candidates with broad-spectrum activity. cLF-chimera is an antimicrobial peptide synthesized from camel milk lactoferrin. This study's objective is to evaluate the inhibitory effects of cLF-chimera on avian influenza, subtype H9N2. For this purpose, one hundred and seventy 11-day-old embryonated eggs were randomly distributed in 17 groups. Different virus and peptide concentrations were injected into the eggs. The eggs were incubated for four days with daily candling for viability assessment. On the 4th day of incubation, each group's alive or dead embryos were sorted and evaluated for gross anomalies. Next, the chick embryos were fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin for one week for histopathological studies. The MTT assay was also performed for the peptide and virus concentrations. Overall, the embryo viability results and macroscopic and histopathologic findings showed that the peptide has inhibitory effects against the virus. These findings agree with the MTT assay. Moreover, the peptide has proven effects against pathogenic bacteria that can be advantageous compared to common anti-influenza medications.