Aqueous fullerene C₆₀ solution suppresses herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus infections

Fullerene C60 is known as a promising therapeutic agent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other properties, along with the lack of noticeable toxicity. In this article, we describe antiviral properties of aqueous fullerene C60 dispersion (ndC60) produced by biocompatible diafiltration technology and C60 amino derivatives against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. Their activity in vitro was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay using Vero and HF cells in pre- and post-treatment modes. Therapeutic efficacy of dnC60 and C60 derivatives was studied in DBA mice using cutaneous model of HSV-1 infection. Data obtained indicated low cytotoxicity of all used compounds for both cell lines (CC50 > 1 mg/ml). The antiviral activity of dnC60 in most tests exceeded the activity of both C60 amino adducts and acyclovir (ACV), and it demonstrated significant therapeutic effect against HSV-1 skin infection in mice.