%0 Journal Article
%T Verapamil inhibits respiratory syncytial virus infection by regulating Ca2+ influx.
%A Chen F
%A Shen H
%A Liu G
%A Zhang P
%A Zhang L
%A Lin S
%A Gao H
%A Peng H
%A Qi YF
%A Chen Y
%A Jiang Y
%A Huang J
%A Shen X
%A Luo YS
%A Zhang K
%J Life Sci
%V 352
%N 0
%D 2024 Sep 1
%M 38942358
%F 6.78
%R 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122877
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The study evaluated the antiviral effect of Verapamil against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and investigated its underlying mechanism.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>RSV-infected BALB/c mice were treated with Verapamil. Body weight, survival rates, viral load, lung damage, inflammatory factors, and the expression of RSV fusion (F) protein were analyzed. In cellular studies, intracellular Ca2+ and viral titers were measured in the presence of Verapamil, Calcium Chloride, and EGTA. A time-of-addition assay assessed the antiviral effect of Verapamil.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Mice infected with RSV and treated with Verapamil exhibited a significant decrease in weight loss, an increase in survival rates, and reductions in viral titers, RSV F protein expression, inflammatory responses, and lung tissue injury. Verapamil reduced intracellular calcium levels, which correlated with reduced viral titers. The addition of calcium chloride reversed the anti-viral effects mediated by Verapamil, while EGTA potentiated them. The antiviral activity of Verapamil was observed during the early phase of RSV infection, likely by blocking Ca2+ channels and inhibiting virus replication.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Verapamil effectively inhibits RSV infection by blocking calcium channels and reducing intracellular calcium levels, thereby impeding viral replication. Thus, Verapamil shows promise as a treatment for RSV.