Zhanqiu Yang
Wuhan University, China
Title: Jiawei-Yupingfeng-Tang, a Chinese herbal formula, inhibits respiratory virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Biography
Biography: Zhanqiu Yang
Abstract
Jiawei-Yupingfeng-Tang (JYT) is a Chinese herbal formula which is widely used against respiratory tract illness. However, its effect against respiratory virus remains unknown. Influenza virus (IFV) and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) cause million cases of severe illness per year and many of them developing into lethal pneumonia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether JYT can be used in the treatment of such infections. Methods: The effect of the JYT against IFV and HRSV was tested by plaque reduction assay in the cell lines A549. The expression of ICAM-1 was determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. A lethal influenza infected mice model developing into interstitial pneumonia was used to evaluate the effect of JYT in vivo. Results: JYT extract dose-dependently inhibited both IFV and HRSV when given before, simultaneous and after viral infection. And it was more effective to block the entry of virus. Furthermore, pre-treatment with JYT can reduce the susceptibility of cells to the invasion of HRSV by inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1. Importantly, JYT extract increased the survival rate of lethal influenza-infected mice, prolonged survival time and alleviated the virus-induced lung lesion, which is compatible with that of ribavirin treatment. Conclusion:. These data support JYT as an alternative modality to be used in the treatment of respiratory viral infection induced by HRSV and IFV.