Rana catesbeiana ribonuclease inhibits Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication and enhances apoptosis of JEV-infected BHK-21 cells.
Rana catesbeiana ribonuclease (RC-RNase) is a cytotoxic and antitumor RNase isolated from the oocyte yolk granules of the bullfrog R. catesbeiana. Our previous studies have shown that RC-RNase possesses antitumor activity by activating proapoptotic caspases. Here, we demonstrate that RC-RNase also possesses antiviral activity. By using cell viability and caspase activation assays, we show that RC-RNase largely enhances apoptosis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-infected BHK-21 cells by activating caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. In addition, immunoblotting experiments revealed that JEV infection enhances the internalization of RC-RNase by cells. In sum, these results indicate that RC-RNase provides a beneficial effect on JEV-infected cells by enhancing apoptosis.
Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC.
Yu-Hsiu
YH
Lee
Chyou-Wei
CW
Wei
Jaang-Jiun
JJ
Wang
Chun-Tang
CT
Chiou
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D017209:Apoptosis; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival; D006224:Cricetinae; D004664:Encephalitis Virus, Japanese / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004705:Endocytosis; D011892:Rana catesbeiana; D012260:Ribonucleases / Q000378:metabolism*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012260:Ribonucleases; D020169:Caspases