Gold nanorods inhibit respiratory syncytial virus by stimulating the innate immune response.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, children and older adults. The use of metallic nanoparticles as potential therapeutics is being explored against respiratory viruses like Influenza, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus. In this study, we showed that gold nanorods (GNRs) inhibit RSV in HEp-2 cells and BALB/c mice by 82% and 56%, respectively. The RSV inhibition correlated with marked upregulated antiviral genes due to GNR mediated TLR, NOD-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways. Transmission electron microscopy of lungs showed GNRs in the endocytotic vesicles and histological analyses indicated infiltration by neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes correlating with clearance of RSV. In addition, production of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs indicates recruitment of immune cells to counter RSV replication. To our knowledge, this is the first in vitro and in vivo report that provides possible antiviral mechanisms of GNRs against RSV.

Unigene-Derived Microsatellite Marker Based Variation Study of Phytophthora nicotianae Isolates Infecting Citrus.

Unigene sequence in public database provides a cost-effective and valuable source, for the development of microsatellite markers also known as unigene-derived microsatellite (UGMS) markers. In our study, genetic variation among 24 Phytophthora nicotianae isolates from five major citrus growing states of India were analysed through UGMS markers. Morphological and clustering results indicated variation among these Phytophthora nicotianae were independent of its geographical confinement and showed 62.27% polymorphism. The study also validated the potential use of UGMS markers.

Antibiotic Minocycline Prevents Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Treatment drugs, besides their specific activity, often have multiple effects on the body. The undesired effect of the drug may be repurposed as therapeutics, saving significant investigative time and effort. Minocycline has anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Presently, minocycline is also known to show anti-viral activity against Influenza virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Simian immunodeficiency virus, Human immunodeficiency virus and West Nile virus. Here, we investigate the effect of minocycline on Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus that causes severe mortality and morbidity in infants, children, and older adult populations. Currently, there is no effective vaccine or treatment for RSV infection; hence, there is a critical need for alternative and effective drug choices. Our study shows that minocycline reduces the RSV-mediated cytopathic effect and prevents RSV infection. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-viral activity of minocycline against RSV.