Evaluation of the mechanisms by which Jaceosidin and Kaempferol 7 O-neohesperidoside inhibit the replication of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV).

• Grant number: 24/03514-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: May 01, 2024
• End date until: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Karina Alves de Toledo
• Grantee: Isabelly Gonzaga de Jesus
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis, AP.TEM

Abstract

The Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) is a common cause of severe respiratory infections, especially in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments, such as Ribavirin and monoclonal antibodies, are limited. The AREXVY vaccine was approved in 2023 but is restricted to the elderly, leaving many vulnerable individuals unprotected. Our research group has been investigating the antiviral potential of various anti-hRSV compounds. Among the studies conducted are Jaceosidin and Kaempferol 7 O-neohesperidoside. Jaceosidin was able to protect Hep-2 cells from hRSV viral infection in pre-, post-, and virucidal treatment protocols, while Kaempferol was efficient in protecting already infected cultures (FAPESP 2023/02743-2). This proposal aims to continue the studies of Jaceosidin and Kaempferol as anti-hRSV agents by detailing possible mechanisms of action. To achieve this, the viability of Hep-2 cells will be measured in protocols aiming to evaluate the interference of flavonoids in the early and late stages of cellular infection (adhesion, internalization, and addition time). Promising results will be confirmed by plaque formation assays, generating subsidies for a better understanding of the efficacy and safety of natural products in specific and future medical applications.