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Updated: Jun 24, 2025
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Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
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Andrographolide suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by downregulating ACE2 expression: A mechanistic study
Qing Li1,2, Hongmei Lu1, Yongdui Ruan1
1The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Donguan, China.
Antiviral Therapy
|June 14, 2024
Summary
Andrographolide, a compound from traditional Chinese medicine, effectively inhibits the ACE2 receptor, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter cells. This suggests andrographolide
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
- Reducing ACE2 expression is a potential strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen Chinese traditional medicinal herbs (CTMHs) for compounds that inhibit ACE2 transcription.
- To evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of identified compounds.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 vector for screening ACE2 transcription inhibitors.
- Transfected HEK293T cells and treated with CTMH compounds, measuring fluorescence.
- Validated findings using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and pseudovirus infection assays in BEAS-2B cells.
Main Results:
- Andrographolide demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of ACE2 transcription.
- Andrographolide reduced ACE2 expression in BEAS-2B cells.
- Andrographolide inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner in cell assays.
Conclusions:
- Andrographolide exhibits potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity by inhibiting ACE2.
- Andrographolide is a promising candidate for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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