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Baicalein suppresses Coxsackievirus B3 replication by inhibiting caspase-1 and viral protease 2A

Yanyan Dong1, Enze Shao1, Siwei Li1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.

Virologica Sinica
|July 18, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Baicalein, a natural compound, effectively combats coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, reducing viral load and alleviating myocarditis. This flavonoid shows promise as a potential treatment for enterovirus-induced heart inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is a leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Group B coxsackievirus (CVB) is a primary pathogen responsible for viral myocarditis, particularly in young individuals.
  • The absence of vaccines necessitates the development of effective antiviral therapies against CVB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antiviral efficacy of baicalein, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicaleinsis.
  • To determine baicalein's potential as a therapeutic agent for CVB-induced myocarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing the impact of baicalein on CVB3-infected cells, measuring cytopathic effects and cell viability.
  • Quantifying viral protein, RNA, and particle levels following baicalein treatment.
  • Evaluating baicalein's effect on viral replication in the myocardium and myocarditis severity in vivo.
  • Investigating the molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of caspase-1 and viral protease 2A.

Main Results:

  • Baicalein significantly reduced cytopathic effects and enhanced cell viability in CVB3-infected cells.
  • Treatment with baicalein led to substantial decreases in viral protein 3D, viral RNA, and viral particle production.
  • Baicalein demonstrated inhibitory effects in the early stages of CVB3 infection, suppressed myocardial viral replication, and alleviated myocarditis.
  • The antiviral action of baicalein was linked to the inhibition of caspase-1 and viral protease 2A activity.

Conclusions:

  • Baicalein exhibits significant antiviral activity against coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection.
  • Baicalein effectively suppresses viral replication and alleviates CVB3-induced myocarditis.
  • Baicalein represents a potential therapeutic candidate for myocarditis caused by enterovirus infections.

Keywords:
2A proteaseBaicaleinCaspase-1Coxsackievirus B (CVB)Myocarditis

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