Ephedrannin B exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in BEAS-2B cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus

: Ephedrannin B (EPB) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of EPB on respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) is not known. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of EPB was evaluated in BEAS-2B cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays were performed to determine the expression of target genes. The anti-viral effect of EPB was assessed by determining viral titers using plaque assay. We found that RSV infection caused a marked increase in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α production and release, which was concentration-dependently attenuated by EPB treatment. Furthermore, EPB decreased the expression of RSV fusion gene in RSV-infected BEAS-2B cells. Concomitantly, EPB treatment led to an obvious inhibition of viral replication in BEAS-2B cells. Besides, EPB suppressed RSV-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells signaling. In conclusion, EPB exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in BEAS-2B cells infected with RSV.