Natural Bis-Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids-Tetrandrine, Fangchinoline, and Cepharanthine, Inhibit Human Coronavirus OC43 Infection of MRC-5 Human Lung Cells

• Main Authors: Dong Eon Kim, Jung Sun Min, Min Seong Jang, Jun Young Lee, Young Sup Shin, Jong Hwan Song, Hyoung Rae Kim, Seungtaek Kim, Young-Hee Jin, Sunoh Kwon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-11-01
• Series: Biomolecules
• Subjects: bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids; tetrandrine; fangchinoline; cepharanthine; human coronavirus strain oc43; mrc-5 human lung cell; antiviral effect
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/9/11/696

<i>Stephania </i><i>tetrandra</i> and other related species of <i>Menispermaceae</i> are the major sources of the bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine (TET), fangchinoline (FAN), and cepharanthine (CEP). Although the pharmacological properties of these compounds include anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, the antiviral effects of these compounds against human coronavirus (HCoV) remain unclear. Hence, the aims of the current study were to assess the antiviral activities of TET, FAN, and CEP and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in HCoV-OC43-infected MRC-5 human lung cells. These compounds significantly inhibited virus-induced cell death at the early stage of virus infection. TET, FAN, and CEP treatment dramatically suppressed the replication of HCoV-OC43 as well as inhibited viral S and N protein expression. The virus-induced host response was reduced by compound treatment as compared with the vehicle control. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that TET, FAN, and CEP are potential natural antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of HCoV-OC43 infection.