Effective inhibition of MERS-CoV infection by resveratrol

Abstract

BackgroundMiddle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging viral pathogen that causes severe morbidity and mortality. Up to date, there is no approved or licensed vaccine or antiviral medicines can be used to treat MERS-CoV-infected patients. Here, we analyzed the antiviral activities of resveratrol, a natural compound found in grape seeds and skin and in red wine, against MERS-CoV infection.MethodsWe performed MTT and neutral red uptake assays to assess the survival rates of MERS-infected Vero E6 cells. In addition, quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescent assays determined the intracellular viral RNA and protein expression. For viral productivity, we utilized plaque assays to confirm the antiviral properties of resveratrol against MERS-CoV.ResultsResveratrol significantly inhibited MERS-CoV infection and prolonged cellular survival after virus infection. We also found that the expression of nucleocapsid (N) protein essential for MERS-CoV replication was decreased after resveratrol treatment. Furthermore, resveratrol down-regulated the apoptosis induced by MERS-CoV in vitro. By consecutive administration of resveratrol, we were able to reduce the concentration of resveratrol while achieving inhibitory effectiveness against MERS-CoV.ConclusionIn this study, we first demonstrated that resveratrol is a potent anti-MERS agent in vitro. We perceive that resveratrol can be a potential antiviral agent against MERS-CoV infection in the near future.

A Systematic Review of therapeutic agents for the treatment of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

“…After 48 h, cell death was significantly reduced in the treatment group with resveratrol. The study showed that resveratrol inhibited MERS-CoV after entry in the cells and when resveratrol was added at same time of MERS-CoV, there was no difference in cell proliferations and viral titers compared with cells treated after infections [45].…”

Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review

“…128 In addition, resveratrol, a phytoestrogen from grape seeds and red wine, had been reported to be a potent anti-MERS agent in vitro. 129 Therefore, 17β-Estradiol or phytoestrogen could also be an alternative option to be considered for the treatment of COVID-19.…”

A pilot study of the antiviral activity of anionic and cationic polyamidoamine dendrimers against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

“…capsid and a reduced viral RNA expression and MERS-CoV yield. 23 Several short peptides were effective fusion inhibitors against MERS-CoV in the low nanomolar range. 24 Small-molecule inhibitors were also found for MERS-CoV papain-like protease, including the main protease and the proteases miscellaneously acting on host proteins or interfering with virus entry and replication.…”