Effects of singlet oxygen generated by a broad-spectrum viral fusion inhibitor on membrane nanoarchitecture

1O2 produced by the broad-spectrum fusion inhibitor JL103 is able to attack the double bonds of unsaturated phospholipids, decreasing membrane thickness and inducing a partial interdigitation of the terminal section of the acyl chains. This reorganization prevents the membrane fusion between an enveloped virus and a target cell, resulting in viral entry inhibition.198