Recent master’s graduate, Ms Mbali Kubheka and her supervisor, Dr Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi (HIV Pathogenesis Programme [HPP] faculty member and lecturer at UKZN) have published a paper in the Microorganisms journal.
Based on Kubheka’s master’s research project, it focuses on the anti-HIV and Immunomodulatory properties of the Fractionated Crude extract isolated from Alternaria alternata, a leaf blight that occurs in the African potato.
Developing new anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug candidates that target different sites in HIV-1 replication with better resistance profiles and lower drug toxicity is essential to eradicate HIV. The study investigated the potential of fractionated crude extracts of Alternaria alternata as immunomodulatory or anti-HIV drug candidates. Solid-phase extraction was used to fractionate the plant extracts. An MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was employed to assess the cell viability and cytotoxicity of the fractionated crude extract in the TZM-bl cell lines. This was followed by a luciferase-based antiviral assay to assess the antiviral activity. A time of addition assay was also performed to ascertain the mechanism of inhibition employed by the crude extract.
One fraction demonstrated more significant anti-HIV inhibition than the fractions generated in other columns. It was evident from the time of addition data that the crude extract and the 5% fraction inhibited viral binding, reverse transcription, integration, and proteolysis. The fractionated crude extracts of A. alternata could be a key source of innovative anti-HIV drugs with immunomodulatory characteristics.
The novel research was initially presented by Kubheka at the South African AIDS Conference in June last year. According to Mkhwanazi: ‘This research is very exciting and has a lot of potential to combat HIV. Previously, we have isolated the endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata from African potato, which is used by people living with HIV-1. The endophytic fungi A. alternata could be a key source of the development of innovative anti-HIV drugs with immunomodulatory characteristics.’
Link to article.
Words: Mary Vanderstok
Photograph: Supplied