METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF VIRAL INFECTIONS

摘要

The invention provides a method of treating a viral infection in a subject, which comprises administering a protease enzyme, especially a plant protease such as, for example a bromelain, papain or ficin. Examples of viral infections which may be treated include infections with DNA- or RNA-containing viruses or infections caused by prions. The invention further provides the use of proteases in the production or sterilization of pharmaceutical preparations or food-stuffs in order to reduce the content of virus, pro-virus or virus-infected cells therein and the use of proteases in the sterilization or decontamination of surgical devices. Production of inactivated or attenuated virus for incorporation into a vaccine or vaccine component for providing a protective effect against viral infection in humans or animals is also described.