Antiviral Activity of Naringenin Against Equine Alphaherpesvirus Type 8 In Vitro

Equine alphaherpesvirus type 8 (EHV-8) is an economically significant emerging pathogen responsible for severe respiratory disease, reproductive failure, and neurological disorders in equids worldwide. The escalating prevalence of EHV-8 in large-scale donkey farming operations, particularly in China, has resulted in substantial economic losses; however, no licensed antiviral agents or prophylactic vaccines are currently available. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-EHV-8 activity of naringenin in susceptible cells and comprehensively explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that naringenin markedly inhibited EHV-8 infection in RK-13 and NBL-6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, naringenin blocked the replication of EHV-8 via HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1)-mediated type I interferon (IFN) response. Collectively, our findings indicate that naringenin may serve as a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of EHV-8 infection.