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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.01.27.477964

Virucidal activity and mechanism of action of cetylpyridinium chloride against SARS-CoV-2

Okamoto, N.·Saito, A.·Okabayashi, T.·Komine, A.
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Abstract

ObjectiveSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. Recent studies have shown the importance of the throat and salivary glands as sites of virus replication and transmission. The viral host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is broadly enriched in epithelial cells of the salivary glands and oral mucosae. Oral care products containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a bactericidal ingredient are known to exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unknown. MethodsThis study examined the antiviral activity of CPC against SARS-CoV-2 and its inhibitory effect on the interaction between the viral spike (S) protein and ACE2 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsCPC (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.3%) effectively inactivated SARS-CoV-2 within the contact times (20 and 60 s) in directions for use of oral care products in vitro. The binding ability of both the S protein and ACE2 were reduced by CPC. ConclusionsOur results suggest that CPC inhibits the interaction between S protein and ACE2, and thus, reduces infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and suppresses viral adsorption.

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Okamoto, N., Saito, A., Okabayashi, T., Komine, A.. 2022-01-31. Virucidal activity and mechanism of action of cetylpyridinium chloride against SARS-CoV-2. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.27.477964

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