Venenum bufonis and its active constituents alleviate RSV-induced pneumonia in mice by suppressing macrophage infiltration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and the elderly, with limited treatment options. Venenum bufonis (Vb), a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits broad pharmacological activities including antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, but its potential against RSV-induced pneumonia remains unclear. This study evaluates Vb's therapeutic effects and mechanisms in RSV-infected pneumonia and identifies its key active constituents. RSV pneumonia was induced in C57BL/6 mice via intranasal inoculation. Mice were treated with Vb or ribavirin intraperitoneally for five days. Lung pathology, viral gene, inflammatory cytokine gene expression, NLRP3 pathway activation, and immune cell infiltration were assessed using H&E staining, electron

SUBMITTER: Cai H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12743554 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature