Induction of type I interferon by high-molecular poly-γ-glutamate protects B6.A2G-Mx1 mice against influenza A virus

Antiviral Res. 2012 Apr;94(1):98-102. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.02.010. Epub 2012 Feb 27.

Abstract

In addition to development of vaccines and synthetic antiviral drugs, recent studies have advocated the use of natural substances that inhibit or prevent viral infections. High-molecular-weight poly-γ-glutamate (HM-γ-PGA) produced by Bacillus subtilis chungkookjang was evaluated for anti-influenza virus activity. HM-γ-PGA induced type I interferons (IFNs), which in turn stimulated expression of Myxovirus resistant 1 protein and IFN-related proteins in vitro. In the B6.A2G-Mx1 mouse model, which mimics the innate immune system of humans, treatment with HM-γ-PGA enhanced the antiviral state of mice and protected them against highly pathogenic influenza A virus. Naturally synthesized HM-γ-PGA has potent anti-influenza activity and may be a useful means for control of influenza virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza A virus / physiology
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Interferon Type I / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Weight
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • Polyglutamic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Polyglutamic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polyglutamic Acid / chemistry

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon Type I
  • Mx1 protein, mouse
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • poly(gamma-glutamic acid)
  • Polyglutamic Acid
  • GTP-Binding Proteins