Peramivir, an Anti-Influenza Virus Drug, Exhibits Potential Anti-Cytokine Storm Effects

Development of molnupiravir and peramivir loaded liposome formulations for combined antiviral therapy

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led scientists to intensify research on antiviral drugs and vaccines. As a result of these studies, it was observed that molnupiravir (MLP) and peramivir (PRV) could be used against pandemic. MLP affects SARS-CoV-2 replication, but it necessitates high doses, which can cause adverse effects in patients. PRV is a neuraminidase inhibitor, but the bioavailability of the drug after oral administration is very low. In this study, MLP-, PRV-loaded and combined liposome (COMB-Lipo) formulations were prepared via the thin film hydration method. Phospholipon 90 G-based formulations exhibited the most favorable characteristics, with a particle size of 111-145 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.4, and a zeta potential (ZP) of 6-12 mV). Cell culture studies demonstrated that developed stable formulations are nontoxic to L929 and Vero E6 cells. Antiviral activity assessments against SARS-CoV-2 suggested the effectiveness of liposomes in inhibiting viral activity. These findings demonstrate that a possible synergistic effect of the newly developed sustained-release COMB-Lipo formulation is suggested with the complementary antiviral mechanisms of the combined agents. As a result, the therapeutic potential of co-delivery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs for pulmonary application is considered a promising approach for long-acting treatment of COVID-19.

Acacetin targets STING to alleviate the destabilization of the medial meniscus-induced osteoarthritis in mice

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder affecting about 7% of the global population, primarily characterized by the gradual loss of articular cartilage. This degeneration results from local inflammation, matrix depletion, and direct cartilage damage. A critical element in this process is the activation of the stimulator of the interferon genes (STING) pathway. Emerging evidence highlights its potential as a therapeutic target, with natural products showing promise as inhibitors. Our study centers on Acacetin, a basic unit of polyketides known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Prior research has highlighted its potential interaction with STING based on the structure. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Acacetin as a STING inhibitor and its protective role against OA. In vitro experiments showed that Acacetin pretreatment not only mitigated interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced cytotoxicity but also decreased the inflammatory response and degeneration in chondrocytes stimulated IL-1β. In vivo studies revealed that Acacetin administration significantly reduced articular cartilage destruction, abnormal bone remodeling, and osteophyte formation in a model of OA induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Mechanistically, Acacetin was found to interact directly with STING, and inhibit IL-1β-induced activation of STING, along with the subsequent phosphorylation of the TBK1/NF-κB pathway in chondrocytes. In conclusion, our findings establish Acacetin as an effective inhibitor of STING that protects chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced damage and slows the progression of OA in mice.

The Identification Distinct Antiviral Factors Regulated Influenza Pandemic H1N1 Infection

Influenza pandemic with H1N1 (H1N1pdms) causes severe lung damage and "cytokine storm," leading to higher mortality and global health emergencies in humans and animals. Explaining host antiviral molecular mechanisms in response to H1N1pdms is important for the development of novel therapies. In this study, we organised and analysed multimicroarray data for mouse lungs infected with different H1N1pdm and nonpandemic H1N1 strains. We found that H1N1pdms infection resulted in a large proportion of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the infected lungs compared with normal lungs, and the number of DEGs increased markedly with the time of infection. In addition, we found that different H1N1pdm strains induced similarly innate immune responses and the identified DEGs during H1N1pdms infection were functionally concentrated in defence response to virus, cytokine-mediated signalling pathway, regulation of innate immune response, and response to interferon. Moreover, comparing with nonpandemic H1N1, we identified ten distinct DEGs (AREG, CXCL13, GATM, GPR171, IFI35, IFI47, IFIT3, ORM1, RETNLA, and UBD), which were enriched in immune response and cell surface receptor signalling pathway as well as interacted with immune response-related dysregulated genes during H1N1pdms. Our discoveries will provide comprehensive insights into host responding to pandemic with influenza H1N1 and find broad-spectrum effective treatment.