[Antiviral activity of proteinase inhibitors in cultured cells infected with alpha-viruses].

The ability of synthetic inhibitors of trypsin-like (TLCK) and chymotrypsin-like (TPCK) proteinases and natural antiproteinase oligopeptides of animal (aprotinin) and microbial (enzistatin) origin to suppress multicycle replication of different alpha viruses (Semliki, Sindbis, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis viruses) in cultured cells was studied. Antiviral activity was found to be induced by TPCK and aprotinin (Gordox). These compounds were shown to reduce virus yield 100-fold and to prevent the involvement of cells into infection process. The mechanisms of antiviral activity and chemotherapeutic possibilities of antiproteinase compounds are discussed.