Inhibition of influenza virus infection with chitosan–sialyloligosaccharides ionic complex

With the recent emergence of drug-resistant influenza viruses, effective means of preventing and treating these contagious pathogens have become imperative. The binding receptors of influenza virus are sialyloligosaccharides (SOS), which are present on the surfaces of host cells, and are therefore attractive targets for antiviral development. We report the preparation and identification of a novel influenza virus entry inhibitor, designated chitosan–SOS complex (CS complex). The CS complex was formed through noncovalent adsorption between cationic chitosan and anionic SOS, the latter derived from bovine colostrum. The preparation was accomplished in gram quantities from chitosan and bovine colostrum oligosaccharides by a one-step dialysis process. The inhibitory activity of the complex against influenza virus infection was determined by cytotoxicity inhibition assay (IC50 = 42 μM). This simple preparation, combined with efficient anti-infective activity and the rich natural availability of chitosan and SOS, highlights the potential of the CS complex as a safe, practical agent for influenza prevention and control.