siRNA screen for genes that affect Junín virus entry uncovers voltage-gated calcium channels as a therapeutic target

摘要

New world hemorrhagic fever arenaviruses infection of humans results in 15–30% mortality. We performed a high throughput siRNA screen with Junín virus glycoprotein-pseudotyped viruses to find potential host therapeutic targets. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) subunits, for which there are FDA-approved drugs, were identified in the screen. Knockdown of VGCC subunits or treatment with channel blockers diminished Junín virus-cell fusion and entry into cells and thereby decreased infection. Gabapentin, an FDA-approved drug used to treat neuropathic pain that targets the α2δ2 subunit, inhibited infection of mice by the Candid 1 vaccine strain of the virus. These findings demonstrate that VGCCs play a role in virus infection and have the potential to lead to therapeutic intervention of new world arenavirus infection.