A screening system for antiviral compounds against herpes simplex virus type 1 using the MTT method with L929 cells.

We developed the improved MTT assay system for in vitro evaluation of anti-HSV-1 agents using L929 cells derived from mouse connective tissue. This assay system provides results in 4 days using a 96-well microplate. The EC50 values of several anti-HSV agents (ACV, BVaraU, and others) were found to be similar to those obtained by the plaque reduction method using MRC-5 cells. The present MTT assay is rapid, accurate, and may be useful as an automatic screening system for evaluation of anti-HSV-1 compounds.