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Formononetin inhibits enterovirus 71 replication by regulating COX- 2/PGE₂ expression

Huiqiang Wang1, Dajun Zhang2, Miao Ge3

  • 1Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China. hq_wangimb@163.com.

Virology Journal
|April 19, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Formononetin inhibits enterovirus 71 (EV71) replication by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) expression. This compound also shows antiviral effects against other Picornaviridae viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Enterovirus 71 (EV71) replication is linked to host cell cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandins E2 (PGE₂) expression.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including ERK, p38, and JNK, are activated during EV71 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if formononetin can inhibit EV71 infection.
  • To determine if formononetin suppresses EV71-induced COX-2/PGE₂ expression.

Main Methods:

  • Antiviral activity assessed via cytopathic effect (CPE) and time-course assays.
  • EV71 replication and viral protein/RNA synthesis evaluated using immunofluorescence, western blotting, and qRT-PCR.
  • Mechanism of action explored through western blotting and ELISA assays.

Main Results:

  • Formononetin reduced EV71 RNA and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Significant antiviral activity observed when administered before or after EV71 inoculation.
  • Formononetin suppressed EV71-induced CPE, ERK, p38, JNK activation, and COX-2/PGE₂ expression.
  • Antiviral effects extended to other Picornaviridae members like CVB2, CVB3, and CVB6.

Conclusions:

  • Formononetin inhibits EV71 by suppressing COX-2 expression and PGE₂ production via the MAPK pathway.
  • Formononetin demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral activity against certain Picornaviridae.
  • Formononetin presents potential as a therapeutic lead for anti-EV71 agents.

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