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Calmon, Marilia Freitas ; Gusmao, Luiza Araujo ; Ruiz, Thalles Fernando Rocha ; Campos, Guilherme Rodrigues Fernandes ; Ayusso, Gabriela Miranda ; Carvalho, Tamara ; Bortolato, Isabella do Vale Francisco ; Conceicao, Pamela Joyce Previdelli ; Taboga, Sebastiao Roberto ; Jardim, Ana Carolina Gomes ; Merits, Andres ; Rahal, Paula ; Tedesco, Antonio Claudio

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: PHARMACEUTICS; v. 17, n. 9, p. 24-pg., 2025-09-22.

Resumo

Background/Objectives: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Alphavirus (family Togaviridae), causes large-scale outbreaks. However, no specific treatment for CHIKV infections is currently available. Berberine and emodin are plant-derived compounds with anti-CHIKV activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of liposomes containing berberine (LB) or emodin (LE) against CHIKV in vitro, since nanocarriers incorporating zwitterionic polymers are known to enhance the biostability, biocompatibility, and therapeutic efficacy of drug candidates. Methods: Liposomes were synthesized and characterized, and cell viability was assessed to determine appropriate concentrations for subsequent assays. Confocal microscopy, antiviral assays, and western blotting were performed in BHK-21 and Huh7 cells. Results: In BHK-21 and Huh7 cells, LB and LE were well tolerated at concentrations of 5 and 10 mu M, respectively. In both cell types, liposomes were internalized; LE was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, whereas LB was also detected in the nucleus. EGCG, used as a standard drug against CHIKV in antiviral assays, exhibited virucidal activity and inhibited RNA replication and multiple stages of the CHIKV replication cycle in BHK-21 and Huh7 cells. Both the nanoformulations and EGCG consistently suppressed the expression of CHIKV replicase and virion proteins. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of berberine- and emodin-loaded liposomes as antiviral agents against CHIKV infection. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/08111-2 - Materiais conversores de luz à base de terras raras: marcadores luminescentes, sensores e amplificadores ópticos
• Beneficiário: Hermi Felinto de Brito
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 22/07092-7 - Estudo in vitro da ação de lipossomos catiônicos contendo compostos naturais como antiviral contra CHIKV
• Beneficiário: Marilia de Freitas Calmon
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular