Melatonin possesses an anti-influenza potential through its immune modulatory effect

In this study, we found that melatonin treatment significantly decreases the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ, and increases the production of IL-10 and TGF-β. The induction of IL-10 by melatonin occurs via the upregulation of IL-27 expression in dendritic cells. Melatonin also significantly inhibits the production of TNF-α in CD8 T cells. Co-treatment of melatonin and ribavirin significantly increases the survival of virus-infected mice compared to ribavirin alone. Our study suggests that melatonin possesses a therapeutic potential in influenza-induced pneumonia as an adjuvant treatment with anti-viral drugs.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Functional Foods - Category: Nutrition Source Type: research