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Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Exocellular polysaccharides extracted from mangrove fungus Paecilomyces Lilacinuson present anti-HSV-1 activity in
Jiaojiao Wang1, Yanni Huang1, Yingzi Lin1
1Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Hainan Medical University, Ministry of Education, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China.
Abstract:
This study examined the anti-HSV-1 activity of EPS extracts isolated from mangrove fungus Paecilomyces Lilacinuson after intraperitoneal administration in mice. Mice were experimentally infected with HSV-1 intracranially and treated intraperitoneally with three different doses of EPS extract (6 g/Kg, 8 g/Kg, and 10 g/Kg) for 7 days. One group of 15 mice was infected with HSV-1 but did not receive any treatment, while another group of 15 mice was mock-infected to remain a control group. Animals were observed twice a day for 14 days after virus infection, searching for clinical signs of weight loss, piloerection, isolation, or retardation movement. Compared with the mock-infected group, mortality was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the virus-infected group and the groups that received 6 g/Kg and 8 g/Kg EPS extract. Interestingly, no significant differences in mortality were found between the 10 g/Kg EPS extract and the mock-infected group. Mortality in the 10 g/Kg EPS extract group was substantially improved compared with virus-infected(p < 0.05). Additionally, EPS extracts inhibited HSV-1 replication in the mice brain in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the extracts decreased NF-κB protein and mRNA expression and the production of TNF-α in HSV-1-infected mice brain tissue. These effects were also dose-dependent. Our findings suggest that the EPS extract may be a potential candidate for developing an antiviral drug against HSV-1.
Insights
Mangrove fungus EPS extracts show promising anti-Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity. The highest dose (10 g/Kg) significantly reduced mortality and viral replication in mice, suggesting potential as an antiviral drug.
Area of Science:
- Marine Mycology
- Antiviral Research
- Immunomodulation
Background:
- Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes significant human morbidity.
- Current antiviral therapies face challenges like resistance and side effects.
- Natural products, including fungal extracts, are explored for novel antiviral agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-HSV-1 efficacy of exopolysaccharide (EPS) extracts from the mangrove fungus Paecilomyces Lilacinus.
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of EPS extracts on HSV-1 infection in a murine model.
- To assess the impact of EPS extracts on viral replication and inflammatory markers in infected brain tissue.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal administration of varying doses (6, 8, 10 g/Kg) of Paecilomyces Lilacinus EPS extract to HSV-1 infected mice.
- Clinical observation for 14 days, monitoring mortality and signs of disease.
- Analysis of viral replication, NF-κB expression (protein and mRNA), and TNF-α production in brain tissue.
Main Results:
- The 10 g/Kg EPS extract group showed no significant difference in mortality compared to the mock-infected control group.
- Mortality was significantly reduced in the 10 g/Kg EPS extract group compared to the HSV-1 infected group (p < 0.05).
- EPS extracts demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of HSV-1 replication, NF-κB, and TNF-α in the mice brain.
Conclusions:
- Exopolysaccharide extracts from Paecilomyces Lilacinus exhibit significant anti-HSV-1 activity.
- The 10 g/Kg EPS extract dose was effective in reducing mortality and viral load in a murine model.
- These findings suggest that mangrove-derived fungal EPS extracts are potential candidates for developing novel antiviral drugs against HSV-1.
