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Berbamine prevents SARS-CoV-2 entry and transmission
Srikanth Sadhu1,2, Sandeep Goswami1,2, Ritika Khatri3
1Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India.
Iscience
|December 6, 2024
Summary
Berberine demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. This compound inhibits viral entry and enhances immune response, potentially preventing transmission and treating infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Effective antiviral therapies are crucial for managing COVID-19 and preventing future pandemics.
- Many compounds exhibit in vitro antiviral activity, but few are effective in vivo against SARS-CoV-2.
- Identifying broad-spectrum antivirals is a priority for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of berbamine (Berb) against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and its variants.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action of berbamine against SARS-CoV-2 in vivo.
- To assess the potential of berbamine in combination therapy and for preventing virus transmission.
Main Methods:
- Testing berbamine against various betacoronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants like XBB.1.16.
- Investigating berbamine's antiviral mechanisms in hACE2.Tg mice, focusing on viral entry and host gene expression.
- Evaluating combination therapies with remdesivir, clofazimine, and fangchinoline.
- Assessing the impact of berbamine on viral shedding and transmission in co-housed mouse models.
Main Results:
- Berbamine showed effectiveness against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and its variants, including XBB.1.16.
- In mice, berbamine inhibited spike-mediated viral entry and enhanced antiviral gene expression.
- Combination therapy with berbamine, remdesivir, clofazimine, and fangchinoline nearly eliminated viral load and improved recovery.
- Berbamine administration reduced viral shedding and lung pathology, suggesting a role in hindering transmission.
Conclusions:
- Berbamine exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against clinically relevant betacoronaviruses.
- Berbamine possesses dual mechanisms of action against SARS-CoV-2, targeting viral entry and boosting innate immunity.
- Combination therapy with berbamine shows significant potential for treating acute SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Berbamine may serve as a promising preventive or therapeutic agent against betacoronavirus infections and transmission.
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