Assay system for developing honeybee antiviral agent using inhibition of virus-derived protease as indicator

Abstract

[Problem] Provided are a screening method for a candidate compound that may serve as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent to suppress individual honey bee mortality caused by viral infection, as well as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent that contributes to the suppression of mass mortality of honey bees resulting from viral infection. [Solution] The cause of mass mortality of honey bees has been identified as intestinal tract damage caused by a protease derived from a virus transmitted by mites, and it was found that individual mortality and intestinal tract damage in virus-infected groups can be suppressed by administering dsRNA of the virus. Furthermore, it was found that individual mortality in virus-infected groups can be suppressed by inhibiting the virus-derived protease through administration of E-64 ([(2S,3S)-3-carboxyoxirane-2-carbonyl]-L-leucine (4-guanidinobutyl)amide hemihydrate).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.