Cilnidipine exerts antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the internalization and fusion of influenza A virus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major cause of seasonal and global pandemics, posing serious health risks. Repositioning approved drugs offers an efficient antiviral strategy, particularly as calcium (Ca²⁺) is crucial for IAV infection, making Ca²⁺ channel blockers (CCBs) promising candidates for antiviral agents.

Methods

The in vitro antiviral activity of cilnidipine was evaluated using MTT assays, qRT-PCR, plaque assays, and western blotting. Mechanistic studies involved time-of-addition, viral internalization, pseudovirus neutralization, and HA (hemagglutinin) syncytium assays. For in vivo analysis, BALB/c mice were intranasally infected to evaluate the effects of cilnidipine on viral titer, lung index, pulmonary inflammatory mediators, and s

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11974063 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature