25-hydroxycholesterol reduces inflammation, viral load and cell death in ZIKV-infected U-87 MG glial cell line

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health issue due to its worldwide diffusion and to the related effects on neural progenitor cells with severe consequences on developing brain as well as on the central nervous system of adults. Previous studies showed that ZIKV infection induces an increment ofIL1B expression in the central nervous system and also in the blood. IL-1 β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine essential for cellular defence, tissue repair and neuroinflammation, a mechanism seen to be associated with several neuroinflammatory diseases. 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is a natural oxysterol, derived from hydroxylation of cholesterol, possessing important anti viral activity possibly correlated to its ability to alter host membrane structures. Furthermore, 25-HC is involved in the modulation ofIL1B gene expression, being able to suppress IL-1 β driven inflammation probably by blocking the activation of the SREB proteins. In our study, we analysed the antiviral action of 25-HC in ZIKV-infected U-87 MG cells, also evaluating its impact on inflammation and cell death. We demonstrated that 25-HC is able to reduce inflammation and cell death caused by ZIKV infection and also to diminish intracellular ZIKV load in U-87 MG glial cell line. Considering its antiviral activity and its ability to penetrate blood–brain barrier, 25-HC could be proposed, based on our results and literature findings, as a potential anti-ZIKV agent.
Source: Inflammopharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research