Inhibition of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication by flavaspidic acid AB

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) represents a significant challenge to the swine industry worldwide. Current control strategies against PRRSV are still inadequate and there is an urgent need for new antiviral therapies. Flavaspidic acid AB (FA-AB) is a compound derived from Dryopteris crassirhizoma, a traditional antiviral Chinese medicine. Here, we first identified its anti-PRRSV activity through targeting multiple stages in PRRSV infection in vitro. Our studies demonstrated that FA-AB could inhibit the internalization and cell-to-cell spreading of PRRSV, but not block PRRSV binding to cells. By monitoring the kinetics of PRRSV replication, we showed that FA-AB significantly suppressed PRRSV replication when treatment was initiated 24 h after virus infection. Furthermore, we confirmed that FA-AB was able to significantly induce IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL1-β expression in porcine alveolar macrophages, suggesting that induction of antiviral cytokines by FA-AB could contribute to FA-AB induced inhibition of PRRSV replication. In conclusion, we provide a foundation for the possibility to develop a new therapeutic agent to control PRRSV infection.

► Flavaspidic acid AB (FA-AB) inhibits PRRSV infection. ► FA-AB could partially inhibit PRRSV internalization and cell-cell spread. ► FA-AB could inhibit PRRSV replication. ► FA-AB could induce NF-α, INF-β, and IL1-β expression in PAM.