The protective effect of Tilia amurensis honey on influenza A virus infection through stimulation of interferon-mediated IFITM3 signaling

Korean Chestnut Honey Suppresses HSV-1 Infection by Regulating the ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthoherpesviridae family. It causes serious neurological diseases of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis. The current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for preventing HSV-1 infection include acyclovir (ACV) and valacyclovir; however, their long-term use causes severe side effects and often results in the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, it is important to discover new antiviral agents that are safe and effective against HSV-1 infection. Korean chestnut honey (KCH) has various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation effects; however, antiviral effects against HSV-1 have not yet been reported. Therefore, we determined the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of KCH after HSV-1 infection on the cellular level. KCH inhibited the HSV-1 infection of host cells through binding and virucidal steps. KCH decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) following HSV-1 infection and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-кB) activity. Furthermore, we found that KCH inhibited the expression of the nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome during HSV-1 infection. Taken together, the antiviral effects of KCH occur through multiple targets, including the inhibition of viral replication and the ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Our findings suggest that KCH has potential for the treatment of HSV-1 infection and related diseases.

Castanea crenata honey reduces influenza infection by activating the innate immune response

Influenza is an acute respiratory disorder caused by the influenza virus and is associated with prolonged hospitalization and high mortality rates in older individuals and chronically ill patients. Vaccination is the most effective preventive strategy for ameliorating seasonal influenza. However, the vaccine is not fully effective in cases of antigenic mismatch with the viral strains circulating in the community. The emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs aggravates the situation. Therefore, developing new vaccines and antiviral drugs is essential. Castanea crenata honey (CH) is an extensively cultivated food worldwide and has been used as a nutritional supplement or herbal medicine. However, the potential anti-influenza properties of CH remain unexplored. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo antiviral effects of CH were assessed. CH significantly prevented influenza virus infection in mouse Raw264.7 macrophages. CH pretreatment inhibited the expression of the viral proteins M2, PA, and PB1 and enhanced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and type-I interferon (IFN)-related proteins in vitro. CH increased the expression of RIG-1, mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein, and IFN-inducible transmembrane protein, which interferes with virus replication. CH reduced body weight loss by 20.9%, increased survival by 60%, and decreased viral replication and inflammatory response in the lungs of influenza A virus-infected mice. Therefore, CH stimulates an antiviral response in murine macrophages and mice by preventing viral infection through the RIG-1-mediated MAVS pathway. Further investigation is warranted to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effects of CH on influenza virus infection.