Inhibitory effects of curcumin on dengue virus type 2-infected cells in vitro

Abstract

Curcumin, a traditional Chinese and Indian treatment for many diseases, has recently been found to alter the in vitro infection processes of various viruses, including hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, coxsackievirus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. The present study evaluated the cellular effects of curcumin in an in vitro (cellular) infection model of dengue virus. Within a dose range of 10 to 30 μM and a treatment period of 24 hours, the cytotoxicity of curcumin was low, as determined by MTT assays. Cells infected with dengue virus type 2 at a multiplicity of infection of 5 were treated with various concentrations of curcumin or the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Plaque assays, immunofluorescence analysis, western blots, and in-cell western assays were then performed. Treatment with 10, 15, and 20 μM curcumin decreased the number of plaques produced, caused an intracellular accumulation of viral proteins, and increased the level of Lys48 ubiquitin-conjugated proteins. At 20 μM curcumin, changes in cell and nuclear morphology and alterations in the actin cytoskeleton were also observed. Treatment with MG132 also reduced plaque production. These results show that curcumin can interfere with the infection processes of dengue virus and that this interference may not occur through direct effects on viral particle production but may result from curcumin's effects on various cellular systems such as the cytoskeleton, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, or the apoptosis process.

In silico studies reveal potential antiviral activity of phytochemicals from medicinal plants for the treatment of COVID-19 infection

“…The natural phytochemicals found in Tinospora cordifolia are known to show antiviral activity for many viral infections [46][47][48]. Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been described to have several functions in preventing or treating diseases, including cancers and viral infections [49]. It has also been demonstrated that curcumin is an antiviral compound, with activity against diverse viruses such as dengue virus (serotype 2) [50], herpes simplex virus [51], human immunodeficiency virus [52], Zika and Chikungunya [53] among others.…”

Inhibitors compounds of the flavivirus replication process

“…Furthermore, compounds with no specific target have also been reported, which have been shown to affect the viral replication cycle, such as curcumin, a natural compound with several inhibitory effects in in vitro dengue type 2 virus-infected cells [19]. However, until now no antivirals compounds have been approved to treat diseases caused by flaviviruses [11].…”

An In-Silico Investigation of Phytochemicals as Antiviral Agents Against Dengue Fever

“…In addition, curcumin, one of the major components of C. longa , has shown inhibition of HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases [59] and in-vitro infectivity of dengue virus type 2 [60]. García Ariza and co-workers have suggested that dengue virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition by curcumin, based on molecular docking studies, may be responsible for the anti-dengue activity of curcumin [61].…”