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Melatonin inhibits dengue virus infection via the sirtuin 1-mediated interferon pathway
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Metadata
Document Title
Melatonin inhibits dengue virus infection via the sirtuin 1-mediated interferon pathway
Author
Morchang A., Malakar S., Poonudom K., Noisakran S., Yenchitsomanus P.-T., Limjindaporn T.
Name from Authors Collection
Affiliations
Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand; Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand; Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand; Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
Type
Article
Source Title
Viruses
ISSN
19994915
Year
2021
Volume
13
Issue
4
Open Access
Gold, Green
Publisher
MDPI AG
DOI
10.3390/v13040659
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative pathogen in the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. DENV is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Approximately 100 million people are infected annually worldwide, and most of those live in tropical and subtropical areas. There is still no effective drug or vaccine for treatment of DENV infection. In this study, we set forth to investigate the effect of melatonin, which is a natural hormone with multiple pharmacological functions, against DENV infection. Treatment with subtoxic doses of melatonin dose-dependently inhibited DENV production. Cross-protection across serotypes and various cell types was also observed. Time-of-addition assay suggested that melatonin exerts its influence during the post-entry step of viral infection. The antiviral activity of melatonin partly originates from activation of the sirtuin pathway since co-treatment with melatonin and the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor reversed the effect of melatonin treatment alone. Moreover, melatonin could modulate the transcription of antiviral genes that aid in suppression of DENV production. This antiviral mechanism of melatonin suggests a possible new strategy for treating DENV infection. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Funding Sponsor
Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
License
CC BY
Rights
Author
Publication Source
Scopus