Elsa B. Damonte

TL;DR: Fractionation with the cationic detergent cetrimide has allowed achieving a better separation of the galactofucan and uronofucoidan components, which show a high inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, with no cytotoxicity.

TL;DR: Several sulfated seaweed polysaccharides show high antiviral activity against enveloped viruses, including important human pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, dengue virus and respiratory syncytial virus, and indicate potential for topical uses to prevent virus infection.

TL;DR: Variations in antiviral activity of the polysaccharides depending on the viral serotype and the host cell may be ascribed to differences in the virus-cell interaction leading to virus entry.

TL;DR: Among natural carrageenans, the mu/v-type IC3 shows the best relationship between antiviral efficacy and lack of anticoagulant action, resulting a very promising compound.

TL;DR: A significant protection against a murine vaginal infection with HSV-2 was afforded by topical treatment with the sulfated galactans, and the mode of action of these compounds could be mainly ascribed to an inhibitory effect on virus adsorption.