Effects of tilorone hydrochloride on experimental flavivirus infections in mice.

The effect of tilorone hydrochloride on experimental infections of mice with West Nile, Langat and Dengue type 2 viruses were studied. The drug significantly reduced the mortality after intraperitoneal inoculation of West Nile virus, but failed to affect intracerebral infection with Langat or Dengue viruses. Tilorone partially reversed cyclophosphan-enhanced mortality after extraneural inoculation of West Nile and Langat viruses. The possible modes of action of tilorone, interferon-inducing ability and stimulation of humoral immunity, are discussed.