Pharmacological inhibition of the RhoA pathway by melatonin reduces viral replication and proinflammatory response against ZIKV and DENV-4 neuroinfections.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses associated with serious neurological complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital Zika syndrome (ZIKV), as well as encephalitis, meningitis, and stroke (DENV). Despite their growing public health impact in tropical regions, there are currently no specific treatments available. Both viruses modulate the RhoA GTPase pathway, which is involved in immune regulation and cytoskeletal dynamics. Melatonin, a hormone with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, has previously been shown to inhibit Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication through RhoA pathway modulation.

Methods

We evaluated the antiviral potential of melatonin against ZIKV and DENV-4 in vitro using U87-MG

SUBMITTER: Bravo-Silva JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12354632 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature