Bacterial Pigment Prodigiosin Demonstrates a Unique Antiherpesvirus Activity That Is Mediated through Inhibition of Prosurvival Signal Transducers
Rahul K. Suryawanshi, Lulia Koujah, Chandrashekhar D. Patil, Joshua Ames, Alex Agelidis, Tejabhiram Yadavalli, Satish V. Patil, Deepak Shukla
Abstract
In this article, we provide a new role for a commonly found bacterial pigment in controlling herpes simplex virus infection, for which diverse and multimodal antiviral agents are needed to prevent drug resistance. Serratia marcescens is a red pigment (prodigiosin)-producing Gram-negative bacillus that is naturally found in soil and water. It is associated with many kinds of human infections, including wound and eye infections, and meningitis. Taking cues from previous studies on prodigiosin, including possible proapoptotic anticancer properties, we investigated how it might affect HSV infection. Interestingly, we found that it is a potent virucidal compound that disrupts host signaling pathways needed for HSV growth and survival. The mode of antiviral action suggests potentially broad activity against enveloped viruses. Our results also indicate that interactions with commensal bacteria may inhibit HSV infection, underscoring the importance of studying these microbial metabolites and their implications for viral pathogenesis and treatment.