ABSTRACT
A new formulation (NF) of subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) ß-1a was developed in an attempt to improve injection tolerability and immunogenicity. We compared antiviral and IFNß-stimulated gene (ISG) activities of IFNß-1a sc NF with IFNß-1a sc original formulation and IFNß-1b sc. When equivalent unit amounts were compared, the IFNß formulations demonstrated similar antiviral activity and induced similar levels of ISG mRNA. However, on a weight basis (ng/mL), significantly more IFNß-1b sc was needed to equal the antiviral activity of either IFNß-1a sc formulation, and both IFNß-1a sc formulations induced significantly higher levels of ISG mRNA than IFNß-1b sc.
Subject(s)
Epithelial Cells/drug effects , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Interferon-beta/pharmacology , Viral Load/drug effects , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Epithelial Cells/immunology , Epithelial Cells/virology , Fibroblasts/immunology , Fibroblasts/virology , Gene Expression , Humans , Interferon beta-1a , Interferon beta-1b , Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3/agonists , Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3/biosynthesis , Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3/immunology , Interferon-beta/immunology , Mice , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Recurrence , Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus/immunology , Virus Replication/drug effectsABSTRACT
Rheum palmatum, Chinese traditional herb, exhibits a great variety of anti-cancer and anti-viruses properties. This study rates antiviral activity of R. palmatum extracts and its components against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in vitro. Methanol extract of R. palmatum contained higher levels of aloe emodin, chrysophanol, rhein, emodin and physcion than water extract. Methanol extract (IC50 = 15.04 µg/ml) exhibited more potent inhibitory effects on JEV plaque reduction than water extract (IC50 = 51.41 µg/ml). Meanwhile, IC50 values determined by plaque reduction assay were 15.82 µg/ml for chrysophanol and 17.39 µg/ml for aloe-emodin, respectively. Virucidal activity of agents correlated with anti-JEV activity, while virucidal IC50 values were 7.58 µg/ml for methanol extract, 17.36 µg/ml for water extract, 0.75 µg/ml for chrysophanol and 0.46 µg/ml for aloe-emodin, respectively. In addition, 10 µg/ml of extract, chrysophanol or aloe emodin caused 90 % inhibition of JEV yields in cells and significantly activated gamma activated sequence-driven promoters. Hence, methanol extract of R. palmatum and chrysophanol with high therapeutic index might be useful for development of antiviral agents against JEV.
