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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
P. hybridus Extract Ze 339 Inhibits RSV Infection by Altering Host Metabolism
Fabian Otte1, Verena M Merk2, Georg Boonen2
1Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Viruses
|July 28, 2026
Summary
The Petasites hybridus extract Ze 339 shows antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in cell cultures. Ze 339 reduces RSV infectivity by modulating host cell pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant global respiratory illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
- Existing therapeutic strategies for RSV are limited, necessitating novel treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral activity of the Petasites hybridus extract Ze 339 against RSV.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying Ze 339's antiviral effects.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using RSV-infected cell culture models.
- Plaque reduction assays and reporter virus analyses to assess antiviral efficacy.
- Proteomic profiling to identify host cell pathway modulation.
Main Results:
- Ze 339 demonstrated potent in vitro antiviral activity against both RSVA and RSVB.
- Antiviral effects were observed even with administration up to six hours post-infection.
- Proteomic analysis revealed modulation of host cell pathways, including lipid metabolism and cell cycle regulation, without cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Ze 339 exhibits significant antiviral properties against RSV.
- The extract likely acts via a host-directed mechanism, modulating cellular pathways to inhibit viral replication.
- Ze 339 warrants further investigation as a potential repurposed therapeutic for RSV infections.
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