In a significant breakthrough for the global pig industry, researchers have identified a natural compound that shows promising antiviral activity against African swine fever virus (ASFV). The study, led by Di Liu from the State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention at the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was recently published in the journal *Emerging Microbes and Infections* (which translates to *Emerging Microbes and Infections* in English).
African swine fever is a highly contagious disease that poses a serious threat to pigs worldwide, with devastating economic impacts. The virus has no effective vaccine or treatment, making the search for potential inhibitors a critical area of research. In this study, the team utilized a high-throughput screening platform to identify rinderine (RIN), a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, as a potent inhibitor of ASFV replication.
RIN demonstrated sustained anti-ASFV activity at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-infection, primarily targeting the early stages of viral replication. “We found that RIN significantly inhibits ASFV attachment to primary porcine alveolar macrophages, which are key cells involved in the virus’s replication process,” explained Liu. This inhibition is mediated through the compound’s interaction with profilin 1 (PFN1), a protein that plays a crucial role in actin remodeling, a process essential for viral entry into host cells.
The study also revealed that RIN reduces the levels of phosphatidylethanolamine, a phospholipid involved in membrane formation and function. This reduction decreases the membrane permeability of porcine alveolar macrophages, further contributing to RIN’s antiviral activity. “Our integrative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics analyses demonstrate that RIN exerts its antiviral effects by targeting proteins and metabolites associated with cell membrane formation and function,” said Liu.
The findings provide a novel insight into the prevention and control of African swine fever, offering a potential strategy for developing effective treatments. The identification of RIN as an ASFV inhibitor not only advances our understanding of the virus’s replication mechanism but also opens up new avenues for research into natural compounds with antiviral properties.
As the global pig industry continues to grapple with the impacts of African swine fever, this research offers a glimmer of hope. The commercial implications are substantial, with the potential to mitigate the economic losses caused by the virus and enhance the resilience of the industry. “This study highlights the importance of exploring natural compounds for their antiviral potential,” Liu added. “It also underscores the need for continued investment in research to combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.”
The research not only shapes future developments in the field of veterinary medicine but also has broader implications for the agricultural sector. As the world seeks sustainable and effective solutions to combat infectious diseases, the findings from this study could pave the way for innovative strategies to protect livestock and ensure food security.