-
Berberine inhibits dengue virus through dual mechanisms
- Back
Metadata
Document Title
Berberine inhibits dengue virus through dual mechanisms
Author
Ratanakomol T., Roytrakul S., Wikan N., Smith D.R.
Name from Authors Collection
Affiliations
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Rangsit, 12120, Thailand
Type
Article
Source Title
Molecules
ISSN
14203049
Year
2021
Volume
26
Issue
18
Open Access
Gold, Green
Publisher
MDPI
DOI
10.3390/molecules26185501
Abstract
Mosquito transmitted viruses, particularly those of the genus Flavivirus, are a significant healthcare burden worldwide, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas. However, effective medicines for these viral infections remains lacking. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid found in some plants used in traditional medicines in Southeast Asia and elsewhere, and BBR has been shown to possess anti-viral activities. During a screen for potential application to mosquito transmitted viruses, BBR was shown to have virucidal activity against dengue virus (DENV; IC50 42.87 µM) as well as against Zika virus (IC50 11.42 µM) and chikungunya virus (IC50 14.21 µM). BBR was shown to have cellular effects that lead to an increase in cellular DENV E protein without a concomitant effect on DENV nonstructural proteins, suggesting an effect on viral particle formation or egress. While BBR was shown to have an effect of ERK1/2 activation this did not result in defects in viral egress mechanisms. The primary effect of BBR on viral production was likely to be through BBR acting through AMPK activation and disruption of lipid metabolism. Combined these results suggest that BBR has a dual effect on DENV infection, and BBR may have the potential for development as an anti-DENV antiviral. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Keyword
Antiviral activity | Berberine | Chikungunya virus | Dengue virus | Isoquinoline alkaloid | Zika virus
Funding Sponsor
Mahidol University; National Research Council of Thailand; Thailand Graduate Institute of Science and Technology
License
CC BY
Rights
Author
Publication Source
Scopus