GUANKE Enhances Antiviral Defense Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Through the STING-TBK1-IRF3-IFN Pathway.

Abstract

To investigate the antagonistic effect of probioticGUANKE against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its underlying molecular mechanisms.in vitro cell models (A549 and HEp2 cells) and an in vivo mouse model (BALB/c mice) were employed. RT-qPCR, TCID50 assay, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blot, and histopathological analysis were used to investigate the effects of GUANKE on RSV replication, inflammatory responses, and the type I interferon pathway.Oral administration of GUANKE effectively cleared RSV and alleviated RSV-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses. GUANKE inhibited viral replication. The GUANKE intervention group exhibited significantly reduced pathological damage to lung tissue and decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α). GUANKE augmented the early type I interferon response and activated the STING-TBK1-IRF3-IFN signaling pathway.GUANKE exerts anti-RSV effects by enhancing the early type I interferon response and activating the STING-TBK1-IRF3-IFN signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting RSV replication and alleviating pulmonary inflammatory responses. This suggests its potential value as an anti-RSV agent.