Rana catesbeiana ribonuclease inhibits Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication and enhances apoptosis of JEV-infected BHK-21 cells

Rana catesbeiana ribonuclease (RC-RNase) is a cytotoxic and antitumor RNase isolated from the oocyte yolk granules of the bullfrog R. catesbeiana. Our previous studies have shown that RC-RNase possesses antitumor activity by activating proapoptotic caspases. Here, we demonstrate that RC-RNase also possesses antiviral activity. By using cell viability and caspase activation assays, we show that RC-RNase largely enhances apoptosis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-infected BHK-21 cells by activating caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. In addition, immunoblotting experiments revealed that JEV infection enhances the internalization of RC-RNase by cells. In sum, these results indicate that RC-RNase provides a beneficial effect on JEV-infected cells by enhancing apoptosis.