Effect of Melatonin on Herpesvirus Type 1 Replication

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes infections with mild to severe symptoms, and drug-resistant strains necessitate new treatments.
• Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, possesses antioxidant and regulatory properties with explored therapeutic potential in infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effects of melatonin on HSV-1 replication.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of melatonin's antiviral action against HSV-1.

Main Methods:

• HSV-1 infected Vero cells were treated with melatonin.
• HSV-1 protein synthesis was measured using immunofluorescence.
• Antioxidant enzyme activity, proteasome activity, unfolded protein response (UPR), autophagy, and apoptosis were assessed.

Main Results:

• Melatonin significantly decreased HSV-1 protein synthesis, indicating inhibition of viral replication.
• Melatonin modulated antioxidant enzyme and proteasome activity.
• Melatonin activated UPR and autophagy while suppressing apoptosis in HSV-1-infected cells.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin exhibits antiviral properties against HSV-1 by inhibiting viral replication through modulation of cellular pathways.
• Melatonin's multifaceted cellular effects suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for HSV-1 infections.