Methadone enhances human influenza A virus replication.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Opioids are known to enhance human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus replication.
• The effect of opioids on other viral pathogens, like influenza A, remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between opioid agonists and human influenza A virus (H1N1) in lung epithelial cells and a mouse model.
• To determine if methadone, morphine, or buprenorphine affects H1N1 replication.

Main Methods:

• Human lung epithelial A549 cells were exposed to morphine, methadone, or buprenorphine, followed by H1N1 infection.
• Viral propagation, adsorption, susceptibility, and protein synthesis were assessed.
• Adult mice were treated with methadone and infected with H1N1 to evaluate in vivo replication.

Main Results:

• Methadone significantly enhanced H1N1 viral propagation, increasing virus adsorption, susceptibility, and protein synthesis.
• Morphine and buprenorphine did not affect H1N1 replication.
• Methadone treatment led to increased H1N1 viral replication in mouse lungs.

Conclusions:

• Methadone facilitates influenza A virus infection in human lung cells and mouse lungs, potentially independent of opioid receptors.
• Findings raise concerns about an increased risk of severe influenza A virus infection in individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment.