Akt inhibitor MK2206 prevents influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in vitro

The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus caused a global flu pandemic in 2009 and contributes to seasonal epidemics. Different treatment and prevention options for influenza have been developed and applied with limited success. Here we report that an Akt inhibitor MK2206 possesses potent antiviral activity against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in vitro. We showed that MK2206 blocks the entry of different A(H1N1)pdm09 strains into cells. Moreover, MK2206 prevented A(H1N1)pdm09-mediated activation of cellular signaling pathways and the development of cellular immune responses. Importantly, A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was unable to develop resistance to MK2206. Thus, MK2206 is a potent anti-influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 agent. Total RNA obtained from NCI-H1666 cells, which are non-small cell lung cancer cell line. NCI-H1666 cells were non- or MK2206-treated (10 μM) and mock- or virus-infected (A/Helsinki/p14/2009) at moi of 3.