Cordycepin exhibits both antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects against dengue virus infection
Pucharee Songprakhon,
Aussara Panya,
Kornkan Choomee,
Thawornchai Limjindaporn,
Sansanee Noisakran,
Mayuri Tarasuk,
Pa-thai Yenchitsomanus
Affiliations
Pucharee Songprakhon
Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Aussara Panya
Natural Extracts and Innovative Products for Alternative Healthcare Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Kornkan Choomee
Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Thawornchai Limjindaporn
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Sansanee Noisakran
Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Mayuri Tarasuk
Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; Corresponding author
Pa-thai Yenchitsomanus
Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Corresponding author
Summary: Cordycepin, a natural derivative of adenosine from Cordyceps militaris, can inhibit the replication of the dengue virus (DENV). Here, we investigated its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in DENV infected cells. Cordycepin significantly inhibited DENV-2 infection, virion production, and viral protein synthesis. It also reduced DENV-induced cytokine/chemokine production, including RANTES, IP-10, IL-6, and TNF-α. Mechanistically, cordycepin targeted the DENV NS5 protein, suppressing RANTES expression and hindering viral replication. Additionally, it inhibited the NF-κB pathway, leading to reduced nuclear translocation and signaling deactivation. PCR array analysis revealed cordycepin’s suppression of 46 genes associated with DENV-induced inflammation. These findings highlight cordycepin’s dual potential as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent against DENV, making it as a promising candidate for dengue treatment, targeting both viral and host factors.
