Conclusion:
A whole series of photosensitisers including fullerene C60 and its derivatives is able to inactivate various types of viruses and, particularly, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The exact mechanisms of photodynamic virus inactivation remains obscure and may, conceivably, involve direct damaging effect of 1Î2, cleavage of viral DNA, and formation of new crosslinks in viral membrane and capsid proteins.
Taking into account viral theory of atherosclerosis suggesting the key etiological role of cytomegalo- and herpesviruses, it seems logical to assume that PDT of coronary vessels with fullerenes may theoretically be a useful tool in prevention of atherosclerosis. However, the detailed investigation of photodynamic antiviral effects of fullerenes is required to validate this concept.