# Evaluation of Probenecid Against Filovirus Replication in Vero E6 Cells

## TL;DR

Probenecid, an FDA-approved drug, was found to inhibit the replication of multiple filoviruses in lab tests, suggesting it could be a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates probenecid's efficacy against EBOV, SUDV, and MARV replication in vitro, expanding its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral.

## Key findings

- Probenecid inhibited EBOV, SUDV, and MARV replication in Vero E6 cells with IC50 values of 3 μM, 8 μM, and 13 μM, respectively.
- The drug reduced plaque size in infected Vero cell lawns, indicating reduced virus spread.
- Probenecid is a safe, FDA-approved drug with a long safety profile, making it a promising candidate for repurposing.

## Abstract

In human and non-human primates, filoviruses, e.g., Ebolaviruses, cause severe hemorrhagic fever for which there are few therapeutic options. While there are licensed vaccines and therapeutics for Ebola virus disease, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for other Ebola diseases. There is a need for broad-spectrum antivirals to treat Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Marburg virus (MARV). We have previously demonstrated that probenecid, an FDA-approved drug with a safety profile spanning over 7 decades, is safe and effective in preventing the replication of influenza A viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other RNA respiratory viruses, such as HMPV and RSV, both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, probenecid was shown to inhibit the replication of infectious EBOV, SUDV, and MARV in Vero E6 cells, with IC50 Values of 3 μM, 8 μM, and 13 μM, respectively. It also reduced plaque size in infected Vero cell lawns, suggesting reduced virus spread. These studies show that probenecid is an effective, broad-spectrum, host-directed antiviral drug.