Quercetin inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 replication in corneal epithelium and suppresses keratitis progression.

ABSTRACT: Quercetin is a natural compound with potent antiviral effects; however, its role in the treatment of herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) remains underexplored. Here, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). By examining different phases of viral infection in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), we found that 30 μmol/L quercetin inhibits HSV-1 replication primarily by disrupting viral attachment. RNA-sequencing and subsequent analyses revealed that the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was upregulated by quercetin in a dose-dependent manner. Knocking down Nrf2 partially compromised quercetin's antiviral effect. Importantly, topical application of 100 μmol/L quercetin alleviated HSK severity in mice, reduced viral titers in tears, and i

SUBMITTER: Yu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12414389 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature