Inhibitory potential of Quercus lusitanica extract on dengue virus type 2 replication

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Dengue virus type 2 (DEN-2) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating novel antiviral strategies.
• Current treatments for dengue are limited, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic agents.
• Quercus lusitanica is a plant species with potential medicinal properties that warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro antiviral efficacy of crude Quercus lusitanica seed extract against DEN-2.
• To determine the effect of the extract on DEN-2 replication and NS1 protein expression.
• To assess the safety and dose-dependent activity of the extract in cell cultures.

Main Methods:

• In vitro antiviral activity was assessed using a virus inhibition assay in C6/36 Aedes albopictus larval cells.
• Cytopathic effect (CPE) was monitored to determine viral inhibition.
• Proteomics techniques were employed to analyze the effect of the extract on NS1 protein expression in infected cells.

Main Results:

• The Quercus lusitanica extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of DEN-2 replication.
• Complete inhibition of DEN-2 (10-1,000 TCID50) was observed at the maximum non-toxic concentration (0.25 mg/ml).
• Proteomic analysis revealed a downregulation of the essential DEN-2 NS1 protein in infected cells treated with the extract.

Conclusions:

• Crude Quercus lusitanica seed extract exhibits significant in vitro inhibitory potential against DEN-2 replication.
• The extract effectively reduces viral load and downregulates the expression of the crucial NS1 protein.
• Quercus lusitanica extract represents a promising candidate for further development as a natural antiviral agent against dengue.