Respiratory viral infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), remain major public health concerns worldwide. Although antiviral treatments are available for some infections, medicines that can target multiple respiratory viruses remain limited.

In this study, we investigated ECDD-S16, a newly developed compound based on a naturally occurring plant-derived substance, for its ability to inhibit different respiratory viruses. We found that ECDD-S16 effectively reduced infections caused by influenza A and B viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, while showing lower toxicity than its parent compounds. Further investigation using influenza virus revealed that ECDD-S16 acts during the early stages of infection, when viruses attempt to enter cells. The compound disrupted the formation of acidic compartments inside cells, which normally helped influenza viruses establish infection, and altered how viral components were distributed within these compartments. However, restoring the acidic conditions needed for viral entry did not fully reverse its antiviral effects, suggesting that additional mechanisms may be involved.

These findings highlight ECDD-S16 as a promising starting point for developing antiviral treatments against multiple respiratory viruses, although further research is needed to understand its precise mechanism and evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295226008701

First Author: Rattatammanoon Saengfak

Corresponding Author: Arunee Thitithanyanont