Carmofur (HCFU) is a rat recombinant acid ceramidase inhibitor with an IC50 of 29 nM. It also functions as a protease inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA). This compound demonstrates anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-virus activities, making it valuable for research into COVID-19 and acute lung injury (ALI).
- Inhibits acid ceramidase (AC) activity in human colon cancer SW403 cells.
- Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 activity in Vero E6 cells.
- Acts as an inhibitor of FAAH and NAAA activities in HEK293 cells.
- Shows anti-inflammatory effects in Raw264.7 cells by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Improves LPS-induced inflammatory responses and promotes resolution of lung injury in acute lung injury (ALI) mice models.
- Inhibits AC activity in various tissues in male Swiss Webster mice.