In this editorial,we comment on the article by Mu et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.We pay special attention to the immune tolerance mechanism caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and the role of antiviral therapy in treating HCC related to HBV infection.HBV infection leads to systemic innate immune tolerance by directly inhibiting pattern recognition receptor recognition and antiviral signaling pathways,as well as by inhibiting the immune functions of macrophages,natural killer cells and dendritic cells.In addition,HBV leads to an immunosuppressive cascade by expressing inhibitory molecules to induce exhaustion of HBV-specific cluster of differentiation 8+T cells,ultimately leading to long-term viral infection.The loss of immune cell function caused by HBV infection ultimately leads to HCC.Long-term antiviral therapy can improve the prognosis of patients with HCC and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis.
Hui WanYu-Xin ZhangGuan-Yue ShanJun-Ya ChengDuan-Rui QiaoYi-Ying LiuWen-Na ShiHai-Jun Li
Viral diseases are minacious with the potential for causing pandemics and treatment is complicated because of their inherent ability to mutate and become resistant to drugs. Antiviral drug resistance is a persistent problem that needs continuous attention by scientists, medical professionals, and government agencies. To solve the problem, an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay between causes of antiviral drug resistance and potential new drugs specifically natural products is imperative in the interest and safety of public health. This review delves into natural product as reservoir for antiviral agents with the peculiar potentials for addressing the complexities associated with multi-drug resistant and emerging viral strains. An evaluation of the mechanisms underlying antiviral drug activity, antiviral drug resistance is addressed, with emphasis on production of broad-spectrum antiviral agents from natural sources. There is a need for continued natural product-based research, identification of new species and novel compounds.
Erute Magdalene AdongbedeJanak Raj KhatiwadaRishipal Rastrapal BansodeLeonard Lamont Williams
Allicin, an antioxidant, is known for providing garlic with its unique fragrance and taste, as well as for its antimicrobial properties. Black garlic, a fermented form of garlic, contains higher levels of antioxidants than fresh garlic. Antioxidants play a vital role in alleviating cellular stress during viral infections. Viral infections result in oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS). A prolonged state of oxidative stress can result in cell death, DNA damage, and disease progression. In this study, black garlic extract (BGE) is evaluated for its ability to mitigate cytopathic effects and oxidative stress caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections in vitro. Antiviral assays were performed to determine the percent of viral inhibition resulting from treatment with the BGE. ROS-GloTM H2O2 assays were then completed to measure the post-infection ROS levels of BGE-treated virus and cells. The results thus far suggest that BGE may inhibit viral infection and decrease levels of oxidative stress.
The increasing emergence and re-emergence of RNA virus outbreaks underlines the urgent need to develop effective antivirals.RNA interference(RNAi)is a sequence-specific gene silencing mechanism that is triggered by small interfering RNAs(siRNAs)or short hairpin RNAs(shRNAs),which exhibits significant promise for antiviral therapy.AGO2-dependent shRNA(agshRNA)generates a single-stranded guide RNA and presents significant advantages over traditional siRNA and shRNA.In this study,we applied a logistic regression algorithm to a previously published chemically siRNA efficacy dataset and built a machine learning-based model with high predictive power.Using this model,we designed siRNA sequences targeting diverse RNA viruses,including human enterovirus A71(EV71),Zika virus(ZIKV),dengue virus 2(DENV2),mouse hepatitis virus(MHV)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),and transformed them into agshRNAs.We validated the performance of our agshRNA design by evaluating antiviral efficacies of agshRNAs in cells infected with different viruses.Using the agshRNA targeting EV71 as an example,we showed that the anti-EV71 effect of agshRNA was more potent compared with the corresponding siRNA and shRNA.Moreover,the antiviral effect of agshRNA is dependent on AGO2-processed guide RNA,which can load into the RNA-induced silencing complex(RISC).We also confirmed the antiviral effect of agshRNA in vivo.Together,this work develops a novel antiviral strategy that combines machine learning-based algorithm with agshRNA design to custom design antiviral agshRNAs with high efficiency.
The rise of emerging infectious diseases has become notably prominent due to ecological changes and mutations in pathogens.The respiratory illness outbreak caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally.Natural products contain numerous structures and biological activities,offering ample options for discovering new antiviral drugs with unique targets and mechanisms.Andrographis paniculata has been utilized in Indian Ayurvedic,Swedish,Traditional Thai,and Chinese medicine to alleviate coughs,colds,and influenza symptoms.Early-stage laboratory studies indicate that this herbal extract may reduce inflammation and fever,and boost the body's natural defenses against viruses,potentially leading to symptom relief.This review aims to systematically present clinical trial data about antiviral herbal formulations derived from Andrographis paniculata,delineating the antiviral effects of both natural and synthetic derivatives,along with in silico analyses.
The emergence of COVID-19 has caused extensive harm and is recognized as a significant threat to human life worldwide. Currently, the application of nanomedicine techniques in pre-clinical studies related to various infections, such as respiratory viruses, herpes viruses, human papillomavirus, and HIV, has demonstrated success. Nanoparticles, due to their specific attributes, have garnered considerable attention in combating COVID-19. Strategies employing nanomaterials for COVID-19 prevention encompass the development of rapid, precise diagnostic tools, the creation of effective disinfectants, the delivery of mRNA vaccines to the biological system, and the administration of antiretroviral medications within the body. This article focuses on recent research regarding the effectiveness of nano platforms as antiviral measures against coronaviruses. It delves into the molecular characteristics of coronaviruses and the affected target systems, highlighting challenges and limitations in combating SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, it explores potential nanotechnology-based treatments to confront current and future variants of coronaviruses associated with COVID-19 infections.
