Galla Chinensis as an antiviral agent: Targeting Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus infection

Being a major pathogen affecting the health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) aquaculture, Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) causes significant economic losses. Galla chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses diverse biological activities, including antiviral properties. This study evaluated the role of Galla chinensis in MSRV infection in vitro and investigated its mechanism of action. Specifically, we examined the effects of Galla chinensis on MSRV virions, the MSRV infection process (adsorption, invasion, and replication), and the host immune response. The results demonstrated that Galla chinensis exerted grateful antiviral effects against MSRV in vitro. It inhibited MSRV infection by interacting with MSRV particles and interfering with the adsorption, invasion, and replication stages of the infection cycle. Furthermore, Galla chinensis up-regulated the expression of antioxidant genes (GSH, and CAT), enhanced the activity of SOD, and limited the production of ROS, down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β), and suppressed MSRV-induced cell apoptosis, collectively contributing to its antiviral efficacy. These results suggested that Galla chinensis was a promising anti-MSRV candidate with a distinct antiviral mechanism, providing a theoretical basis for developing MSRV prevention and control strategies.