The flavonoid cyanidin shows antiviral and immunomodulatory properties against RSV, in vitro and in vivo

LUCIANA VÁZQUEZ; VIEGAS, MARIANA; BUENO CARLOS; GENTILINI, MARÍA VIRGINIA; ALCHÉ LAURA; BENEDETTI, MARTINA; NABAES JODAR, MERCEDES SOLEDAD

Congreso; 34th International Conference on Antiviral Research (ICAR 2021); 2021

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH (ISAR)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has the ability to modulate cytokine and chemokine signaling networks, such as NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways, interfere with immune cell function and antibody response. Consequently, the modulation of the immune response induced by the virus represents a potential therapeutic strategy. Cyanidin, a key flavonoid that is present in red berries and other fruits, attenuates the development of several diseases through its anti-inflammatory effects. Regarding the molecular basis of cyanidin action, it inhibits signaling by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A, and, besides, it modulates NF-B and AP-1 activation in different cell types and conditions. Importantly, these signaling pathways are involved in RSV-induced lung disease. Furthermore, plant extracts which contain cyanidin have antiviral activity against numerous viruses. In this study, we demonstrate that cyanidin has virucidal and antiviral activities against RSV line 19 and A2 strains in HEp-2 and A549 cells, as well as NF-κB and cytokine modulating activities in RSV infected epithelial cells (HEp-2 and A549) and macrophages (J774A.1 cells), in vitro. Besides, in a murine model of pulmonary RSV infection, cyanidin treatment improves the course of acute disease, evidenced by decreased weight loss, reduced RSV lung titers, and attenuated airway inflammation. Thus, our data demonstrate that cyanidin restrains RSV disease through antiviral andimmunomodulatory effect. Consequently, cyanidin represents a promising therapeutic alternative against RSV infection, and may inform the development of novel therapeutic targets to control RSV pathogenesis