Bioactive compounds from fungi with antiviral activities: Mechanism of action and biosynthetic pathways

Viral infections have affected human health, causing critical pandemics and mortality worldwide. Viruses can also cause enormous economic problems for society globally. Bioactive compounds isolated from fungi (both edible and nonedible) have shown potential activity against viruses. In this review, we describe the fungal natural compounds that have exhibited capability to inhibit some human pathogenic viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, bovine herpes virus, influenza virus, respiratory syndrome virus, hepatitis virus among others. We focused on the biosynthetic pathways of fungal bioactive compounds and addressed the current knowledge about their antiviral mechanisms of action and specific targets. Fungal bioactive compounds are able to inhibit viral reproduction, blocking viral penetration, replication or translation as well as integrase or protease action. Fungal compounds able to inhibit protease such as. ganodermatriol, ergosterol, terpenoids, ganoderic acid GS-2, ganoderiol, sterigmatocystin, emericellin, cordycepin, ergosterol peroxide, myristic acid among others, may have a significant value to society at present, as they may have the potential to treat severe viral respiratory infections. Fungi represent a potential natural source of bioactive molecules that can be exploited for treating viral infections, which represent one of the main causes of disease worldwide. However, extensive investigations on clinical trials are required for the introduction of new antiviral agents into the market.

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Nanobiocide Based-Silver Nanomaterials Upon Coronaviruses: Approaches for Preventing Viral Infections

Nanoscale Research Letters ◽

10.1186/s11671-021-03558-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kamyar Khoshnevisan ◽

Hassan Maleki ◽

Hadi Baharifar

Keyword(s):

Viral Entry ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Long Term Stability ◽

Silver Nanomaterials ◽

Inhibitory Mechanisms ◽

Low Toxicity ◽

Nano Graphene

Abstract The effectiveness of silver nanomaterials (AgNMs), as antiviral agents, has been confirmed in humans against many different types of viruses. Nanobiocides-based AgNMs can be effectively applied to eliminate coronaviruses (CoVs), as the cause of various diseases in animals and humans, particularly the fatal human respiratory infections. Mostly, these NMs act effectively against CoVs, thanks to the NMs’ fundamental anti-viral structures like reactive oxygen species (ROS), and photo-dynamic and photo-thermal abilities. Particularly, the antiviral activity of AgNMs is clarified under three inhibitory mechanisms including viral entry limitation, attachment inhibition, and viral replication limitation. It is believed that nanobiocide with other possible materials such as TiO2, silica and, carbon NMs exclusively nano-graphene materials can emerge as a more effective disinfectant for long-term stability with low toxicity than common disinfectants. Nanobiocides also can be applied for the prevention and treatment of viral infections specifically against COVID-19. Graphic Abstract

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Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Interferes with Swine Influenza A Virus Infection of Epithelial Cells

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8030508 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 508

Author(s):

Georges Saade ◽

Déborah Ménard ◽

Caroline Hervet ◽

Patricia Renson ◽

Erika Hue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Influenza A ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Swine Influenza ◽

Interferon Response ◽

Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽

Target Cells ◽

Tracheal Epithelial Cells ◽

Respiratory Epithelial

Respiratory infections are still a major concern in pigs. Amongst the involved viruses, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the swine influenza type A virus (swIAV) have a major impact. These viruses frequently encounter and dual infections are reported. We analyzed here the molecular interactions between viruses and porcine tracheal epithelial cells as well as lung tissue. PRRSV-1 species do not infect porcine respiratory epithelial cells. However, PRRSV-1, when inoculated simultaneously or shortly before swIAV, was able to inhibit swIAV H1N2 infection, modulate the interferon response and alter signaling protein phosphorylations (ERK, AKT, AMPK, and JAK2), in our conditions. SwIAV inhibition was also observed, although at a lower level, by inactivated PRRSV-1, whereas acid wash treatment inactivating non-penetrated viruses suppressed the interference effect. PRRSV-1 and swIAV may interact at several stages, before their attachment to the cells, when they attach to their receptors, and later on. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that PRRSV can alter the relation between swIAV and its main target cells, opening the doors to further studies on the interplay between viruses. Consequences of these peculiar interactions on viral infections and vaccinations using modified live vaccines require further investigations.

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Is Vestibular Neuritis an Immune Related Vestibular Neuropathy Inducing Vertigo?

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2014/459048 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

A. Greco ◽

G. F. Macri ◽

A. Gallo ◽

M. Fusconi ◽

A. De Virgilio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Infections ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Vestibular Function ◽

Vascular Occlusion ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Symptomatic Treatment ◽

Vestibular Nerve ◽

Vestibular Neuritis ◽

Systematic Review Methodology

Objectives. To review the current knowledge of the aetiology of vestibular neuritis including viral infections, vascular occlusion, and immunomediated mechanisms and to discuss the pathogenesis with relevance to pharmacotherapy.Systematic Review Methodology. Relevant publications on the aetiology and treatment of vestibular neuritis from 1909 to 2013 were analysed.Results and Conclusions. Vestibular neuritis is the second most common cause of peripheral vestibular vertigo and is due to a sudden unilateral loss of vestibular function. Vestibular neuronitis is a disorder thought to represent the vestibular-nerve equivalent of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Histopathological studies of patients who died from unrelated clinical problems have demonstrated degeneration of the superior vestibular nerve. The characteristic signs and symptoms include sudden and prolonged vertigo, the absence of auditory symptoms, and the absence of other neurological symptoms. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition remain unknown. Proposed theories of causation include viral infections, vascular occlusion, and immunomediated mechanisms. The management of vestibular neuritis involves symptomatic treatment with antivertiginous drugs, causal treatment with corticosteroids, and physical therapy. Antiviral agents did not improve the outcomes.

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Medicinal Plants and Zinc: Impact on COVID-19 Pandemic

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2021/9632034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Zineb Jalal ◽

Meryem Bakour ◽

Badiaa Lyoussi

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Distress Syndrome ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Severe Pneumonia ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Research Papers ◽

Comprehensive Search

The world is currently grappling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infection can cause fever, a dry cough, fatigue, severe pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and in some cases death. There is currently no effective antiviral SARS-CoV-2 drug. To reduce the number of infections and deaths, it is critical to focus on strengthening immunity. This review aims to conduct a comprehensive search on the previous studies using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus for the collection of research papers based on the role of zinc in the immune system, the antiviral activity of zinc, the effect of zinc supplementation in respiratory infections, the therapeutic approaches against viral infections based on medicinal plants, and the role of plants’ bioactive molecules in fighting viral infections. In conclusion, we highlighted the pivotal role of zinc in antiviral immunity and we suggested the bioactive molecules derived from medicinal plants as a search matrix for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

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ACUTE VIRAL INFECTIONS WITH COMBINED LESIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY AND GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - A SCOURGE OF OUR TIME

PEDIATRIA Journal named after G N SPERANSKY ◽

10.24110/0031-403x-2021-100-6-8-14 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 100 (6) ◽

pp. 8-14

Author(s):

E.V. Kanner ◽

◽

I.D. Kanner ◽

N.M. Lapkin ◽

A.V. Gorelov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Delayed Diagnosis ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Intestinal Infections ◽

Causative Agents ◽

Combined Lesions

Viral infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The association of pathogens often changes not only the typical clinical picture of the infection, but also its course, which often becomes the reason for the delayed diagnosis and lack of adequate treatment. The variety and discovery of new respiratory viruses, their variability, the rapid formation of strains resistant to antiviral agents and modifying adaptive immune responses in humans, lead to an increase in the frequency of mixed viral infections, which dictates the need to develop and implement new diagnostic and treatment algorithms. This review is devoted to the problem of acute viral infections with combined lesions of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) among the population of children. The etiological structure of causative agents of acute respiratory infections (ARI), acute intestinal infections (AII) and infections with combined lesions of the respiratory tract and GIT in children is presented. The features of the pathogenesis and clinical features of rotavirus, coronavirus infections are considered. An algorithm for making a decision on the appointment of a treatment-and-prophylactic complex for children with AII and ARI is proposed.

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The Immunological Role of the Placenta in SARS-CoV-2 Infection—Viral Transmission, Immune Regulation, and Lactoferrin Activity

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115799 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5799

Author(s):

Iwona Bukowska-Ośko ◽

Marta Popiel ◽

Paweł Kowalczyk

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Virus Particles ◽

New Type ◽

Viral Receptors

A pandemic of acute respiratory infections, due to a new type of coronavirus, can cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has created the need for a better understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological features of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women. Viral infections in pregnant women may have a much more severe course, and result in an increase in the rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and premature birth—which may cause long-term consequences in the offspring. In this review, we focus on the mother-fetal-placenta interface and its role in the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including expression of viral receptors and proteases, placental pathology, and the presence of the virus in neonatal tissues and fluids. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-viral activity of lactoferrin during viral infection in pregnant women, analyzes its role in the pathogenicity of pandemic virus particles, and describes the potential evidence for placental blocking/limiting of the transmission of the virus.

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Emerging Advances of Nanotechnology in Drug and Vaccine Delivery against Viral Associated Respiratory Infectious Diseases (VARID)

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22136937 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 6937

Author(s):

Amir Seyfoori ◽

Mahdieh Shokrollahi Barough ◽

Pooneh Mokarram ◽

Mazaher Ahmadi ◽

Parvaneh Mehrbod ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Respiratory System ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Rna Virus ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Physiological Properties ◽

Respiratory Infectious Diseases ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections

Viral-associated respiratory infectious diseases are one of the most prominent subsets of respiratory failures, known as viral respiratory infections (VRI). VRIs are proceeded by an infection caused by viruses infecting the respiratory system. For the past 100 years, viral associated respiratory epidemics have been the most common cause of infectious disease worldwide. Due to several drawbacks of the current anti-viral treatments, such as drug resistance generation and non-targeting of viral proteins, the development of novel nanotherapeutic or nano-vaccine strategies can be considered essential. Due to their specific physical and biological properties, nanoparticles hold promising opportunities for both anti-viral treatments and vaccines against viral infections. Besides the specific physiological properties of the respiratory system, there is a significant demand for utilizing nano-designs in the production of vaccines or antiviral agents for airway-localized administration. SARS-CoV-2, as an immediate example of respiratory viruses, is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the coronaviridae family. COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, similarly to other members of the coronaviridae. Hence, reviewing the current and past emerging nanotechnology-based medications on similar respiratory viral diseases can identify pathways towards generating novel SARS-CoV-2 nanotherapeutics and/or nano-vaccines.

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Nutraceuticals from Marine Bionetworks

Current Nutrition & Food Science ◽

10.2174/1573401314666180109153825 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 338-344

Author(s):

Abhitav Tiwari ◽

Shambhawi Pritam ◽

Keerti Mishra ◽

Mehshara Khan ◽

Neeraj Upmanyu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Marine Organisms ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Natural Sources ◽

Nutraceutical Compounds ◽

Potential Sources ◽

Immense Potential ◽

Potential Use

“Nutrition” and “Pharmaceutical” together build up the perception of “Nutraceuticals” that refer to the food or dietary supplements that help to incorporate additional health benefits to the fundamental sustenance accomplished on daily basis. Each nutraceutical contains one or more bioactive molecules that are usually obtained by chemical and/ or biotechnological synthesis or by extraction from natural sources. Among the natural sources, marine bionetwork possess immense potential for the presence of bioactive compounds. Some of these bioactive compounds as isolated from marine sources, have potential use as nutraceuticals. This mini review provides a brief overview of nutraceutical compounds from marine sources that are currently under research and/or have been commercialized. A detailed discussion on the biochemical categories of compounds and the marine organisms that play as potential sources of these bioactive nutraceutical compounds have been included.

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Protease Inhibitors as Antiviral Agents

Clinical Microbiology Reviews ◽

10.1128/cmr.11.4.614 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 614-627 ◽

Cited By ~ 118

Author(s):

A. K. Patick ◽

K. E. Potts

Keyword(s):

Protease Inhibitors ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Critical Role ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Antiviral Agent ◽

Structural Proteins ◽

Viral Protease ◽

Virus Particles ◽

Viral Proteases ◽

Viral Polyprotein

SUMMARY Currently, there are a number of approved antiviral agents for use in the treatment of viral infections. However, many instances exist in which the use of a second antiviral agent would be beneficial because it would allow the option of either an alternative or a combination therapeutic approach. Accordingly, virus-encoded proteases have emerged as new targets for antiviral intervention. Molecular studies have indicated that viral proteases play a critical role in the life cycle of many viruses by effecting the cleavage of high-molecular-weight viral polyprotein precursors to yield functional products or by catalyzing the processing of the structural proteins necessary for assembly and morphogenesis of virus particles. This review summarizes some of the important general features of virus-encoded proteases and highlights new advances and/or specific challenges that are associated with the research and development of viral protease inhibitors. Specifically, the viral proteases encoded by the herpesvirus, retrovirus, hepatitis C virus, and human rhinovirus families are discussed.

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Immunological Aspects Related to Viral Infections in Severe Asthma and the Role of Omalizumab

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9040348 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 348

Author(s):

Francesco Menzella ◽

Giulia Ghidoni ◽

Carla Galeone ◽

Silvia Capobelli ◽

Chiara Scelfo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Innate Immunity ◽

Severe Asthma ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Antiviral Effect ◽

Point Of View ◽

Type I ◽

Effector Cells ◽

Viral Spread ◽

Increased Risk

Viral respiratory infections are recognized risk factors for the loss of control of allergic asthma and the induction of exacerbations, both in adults and children. Severe asthma is more susceptible to virus-induced asthma exacerbations, especially in the presence of high IgE levels. In the course of immune responses to viruses, an initial activation of innate immunity typically occurs and the production of type I and III interferons is essential in the control of viral spread. However, the Th2 inflammatory environment still appears to be protective against viral infections in general and in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections as well. As for now, literature data, although extremely limited and preliminary, show that severe asthma patients treated with biologics don’t have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or progression to severe forms compared to the non-asthmatic population. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, exerts a profound cellular effect, which can stabilize the effector cells, and is becoming much more efficient from the point of view of innate immunity in contrasting respiratory viral infections. In addition to the antiviral effect, clinical efficacy and safety of this biological allow a great improvement in the management of asthma.

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