1. Emodin inhibits respiratory syncytial virus entry by interactions with fusion protein
- Author
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Yingcai Xiong, Guangxing Tan, Keyu Tao, Yinghui Zhou, Jun Li, Weiying Ou, Cunsi Shen, Tong Xie, Chao Zhang, Yayi Hou, and Jianjian Ji
- Subjects
respiratory syncytial virus ,fusion protein ,emodin ,entry ,small molecule inhibitor ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
IntroductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein is essential for facilitating virus entry into host cells, providing a hopeful path for combating viral diseases. However, F protein inhibitors can rapidly select for viral resistance. Thus, discovering new inhibitors of F-protein is necessary to enrich the RSV drug development pipeline.MethodsIn this study, we screen 25 bioactive compounds from Chinese herbal medicines that exhibit a strong binding to the RSV-F protein using surface plasmon resonance.ResultsAfter screening, we found emodin could strongly bind to RSV-F protein, and could effectively curb RSV infection. Further investigations certificated that emodin specifically disrupts the attachment and internalization phases of RSV infection by targeting the RSV-F protein. In vivo studies with mice infected with RSV demonstrated that emodin effectively reduces lung pathology. This therapeutic effect is attributed to emodin’s capacity to diminish pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduce viral load in the lungs.DiscussionIn conclusion, our findings provide initial insights into the mechanism by which emodin counters RSV infection via engagement with the RSV-F protein, establishing it as a viable contender for the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at RSV.
- Published
- 2024
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